charbck 's review for:

A Potrait of the Artist As A Young Man by James Joyce

2.0

challenging reflective slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

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not for me. couldnt grasp onto a character, barely could get ahold of stephen. first 2 chapters were really engaging, especially that dinner scene. lost it by the preaching in the 3rd. some excerpts i loved but not most. i guess i would not feel so confident in my heretic nature without catholics like joyce paving the way before me, so thanks for that. i liked his critiques of nationalism. i can feel so jealous as an american that irishmen have so much pride in their country, but nationalism is just another institution to pour ur hopes and dreams into, mostly in vain. i liked his thoughts about the english vs the irish languages as well. i disagreed with his thoughts about art. no woman has a name, he is so obsessed with his lust but of course does not lend these women any respect. stephen doesnt even love his mother. maybe this is a hint at his naivete but whatever, i know plenty of young men that love their mothers. one day i will read joyce’s better books but not for awhile. gonna listen to a podcast analyzing this work to try to figure it out.