Stephen Dedalus' Search for Identity in Catholic Ireland

Authors

Cristina L. Cuevas, Florida International UniversityFollow

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Arts (MA)

Major/Program

English

First Advisor's Name

Michael Gillespie

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee chair

Second Advisor's Name

Meri-Jane Rochelson

Second Advisor's Committee Title

Committee member

Third Advisor's Name

Nathaniel Cadle

Third Advisor's Committee Title

Committee member

Keywords

Ireland, Catholic, Institution, Identity, Longing, Family, Jesuit, Priest, Education, Church

Date of Defense

10-26-2015

Abstract

The purpose of my research was to explore the interplay between religion and art in James Joyce’s novel, A PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST AS A YOUNG MAN. My aim was to trace the development of the protagonist, Stephen Dedalus by analyzing how Catholicsim is an institution that forms him, yet must reject to realize his artistic potential. I researched Joyce’s background to gain an understanding of the exilic experience on the literature. Through the exilic lens, I realized that Catholicism was the predominant influence on Stephen’s need to embark on a self-imposed exile at the end of the novel. Complicating his decision is the fact that he does not stop believing in religious constructs such as heaven and hell. In conclusion I found by following his artistic longing, and turning away from the church he is committing a sin and, as a result, damning his soul.

Identifier

FIDC000149

Recommended Citation

Cuevas, Cristina L., "Stephen Dedalus' Search for Identity in Catholic Ireland" (2015). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 2258.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/2258