Independent Novel Study: Analysis of
             The Portrait of the Artist as A Young Man
             The theme of James Joyce's The Portrait of the Artist as A Young Man that is most important is the development of the consciousness of Stephen. Joyce's style utilizes the technique of stream of consciousness, which allows Joyce to directly show the reader the thoughts and feelings that a character experiences at a specific moment. By using this technique rather than just describing Stephen's feelings from an external position, the reader is better able to connect to and identify with Stephen.
             The stream of consciousness aspect of this novel is important because it fits with the central theme that follows the development of Stephen's consciousness. At the very beginning of the story Stephen is only able to describe his life with very limited vocabulary and focus, paying very little attention to the importance of cause and effect in his encounters. However, as he progresses into adolescence his thoughts become much more logical and organized. This is evident through the better structuring of paragraphs and his more in depth understanding of his surroundings and his ability to better relate the impact of cause and effect. Weaknesses in his stream of consciousness are still evident, as it is apparent that he is struggling with emotions such as guilt that inhibit his ability to think rationally. Finally, by the end of the novel, Stephen is able to articulate his consciousness completely rationally and without interference from emotional and intellectual instability. He shows this within his diary, "26 April: I go to encounter for the millionth time the reality of experience and to forge in the smithy of my soul the uncreated conscience of my race. 27 April: Old father, old artificer, stand me now and ever in good stead (252)."
             Joyce's central purpose in writing The Portrait of the Artist as A Young Man is most likely to reveal his own self through the ch...