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James Joyce's semi-autobiographical first novel explores the author's own love-hate relationship with Ireland through Stephen Dedalus, Joyce's literary alter ego. Dedalus yearns to be an artist, but must first overcome the aspects of Irish society, like school and the church, that he feels restrains his creativity and stifles his soul. Joyce's use of experimental literary techniques, including stream of consciousness, is on full display in his first novel, which he further develops in his later works,
Ulysses and
Finnegan's Wake.
About the author
James Augustine Aloysius Joyce (1882–1941) was an Irish writer of the 20th century whose prolific works included novels, poems, short stories, plays, and literary criticism. He is known for his contributions to the modernist movement and his use of experimental literary styles, including stream of consciousness. Though he spent most of his adult life abroad, Joyce's major works are rooted in Dublin, his place of birth, where he explores his complicated relationship with Irish identity and rejection of Irish nationalism through a historical, cultural, and political lens.
Summary
James Joyce's semi-autobiographical first novel explores the author's own love-hate relationship with Ireland through Stephen Dedalus, Joyce's literary alter ego. Dedalus yearns to be an artist, but must first overcome the aspects of Irish society, like school and the church, that he feels restrains his creativity and stifles his soul.
