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3.43 AVERAGE
3.43 AVERAGE
On first reading (for English 101), a rambling, uninteresting text (especially when you know little about Irish politics).
His escape of authority (religion) through his sexuality, and the escape of his sexuality through art drew parallels to my own struggles with authority and 'themes' in my own life.
Drawing near the end of the novel, the discussion of art and the philosophy of aesthetics and beauty was striking.
His escape of authority (religion) through his sexuality, and the escape of his sexuality through art drew parallels to my own struggles with authority and 'themes' in my own life.
Drawing near the end of the novel, the discussion of art and the philosophy of aesthetics and beauty was striking.
challenging
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A beautiful and often inscrutable novel made accessible by the insights of my favorite English professor
I think I read this book whilst I was in England! The only thing I remember about it is his priest's description of Hell, and how not only was it hot and crowded etc, but also smelly. And that really made an impact on me, because man, yeah, heat is one thing, but Hell would definitely be more hellish if it smelled like shit and/or vomit all the time.
It's the only Joyce I've ever read, and I remember enjoying it. Maybe one day I'll attempt that other one.
It's the only Joyce I've ever read, and I remember enjoying it. Maybe one day I'll attempt that other one.
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a good coming of age story set in Ireland during a time of societal upheaval. The main character (Stephen) goes through a sort of existential crisis, and it's shown by way of a few different lenses. His religion (and the sins—mostly sexual intercourse—he commits) are a main focus, and lead to him contemplating politics, education, art, and other social aspects of his life.
I first read this in high school, and gave it a reread prior to a trip to Ireland. I enjoyed it both times, but for different reasons. The language is outdated now, so if you have difficulty reading text from the early 1900s, you may struggle. However, the footnotes offer good insight to more modern terminology, as applicable.
I first read this in high school, and gave it a reread prior to a trip to Ireland. I enjoyed it both times, but for different reasons. The language is outdated now, so if you have difficulty reading text from the early 1900s, you may struggle. However, the footnotes offer good insight to more modern terminology, as applicable.
It was beautifully written and skillfully composed. I recall parts of it from my first reading 27 years ago and I think I got more out of it this time. The first time I read it, I remember struggling with reconciling Stephen's religiosity with his vocation as an artist, but I appreciated the sensitivity of his nature more with the benefit of experience. I had some difficulty with following the plot, but Stephen's spiritual crises were artfully and expertly portrayed.
I need to read more. I've been embarrassingly slow as of late.
Anyway, it's crazy how much Joyce's style changed from this book to Ulysses. It's like they're not even by the same dude. I thought before I started that this would form a bridge between Dubliners and Ulysses, but really it feels more like this book built the bridge like a quarter of the way across the gap and then with Ulysses he just forgot about the bridge and jumped down into the chasm to see what would happen. Anyway, this seemed more or less pretty straightforward to me stylistically, with a few nice little details here and there, especially in the early stages with him writing to reflect the age of Stephen.
Overall this was cool. I just thought the last 25% or so was a tad boring, with the long sections of Stephen expounding on his theory of "esthetics" and all that.
Anyway, it's crazy how much Joyce's style changed from this book to Ulysses. It's like they're not even by the same dude. I thought before I started that this would form a bridge between Dubliners and Ulysses, but really it feels more like this book built the bridge like a quarter of the way across the gap and then with Ulysses he just forgot about the bridge and jumped down into the chasm to see what would happen. Anyway, this seemed more or less pretty straightforward to me stylistically, with a few nice little details here and there, especially in the early stages with him writing to reflect the age of Stephen.
Overall this was cool. I just thought the last 25% or so was a tad boring, with the long sections of Stephen expounding on his theory of "esthetics" and all that.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes