What do you think of S. D.?
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Muirheid
Jan 4, 2011, 11:39:14 AM1/4/11
to Third Period AP English
What do you think of Stephen? What kind of character is he?
Impressive? Admirable? Relatable? Comparable to other characters? How
can you like someone if you know their every thought?
Impressive? Admirable? Relatable? Comparable to other characters? How
can you like someone if you know their every thought?
Shannon
Jan 4, 2011, 8:11:10 PM1/4/11
to Third Period AP English
I’m going to go right out and say that I’m not a huge fan of Stephen.
He mopes around throughout virtually the whole book (particularly
parts 2 and 3), constantly complaining about how sad he is and how
despicable his life/others’ lives are. I can understand that his
search for identity is central to the book, and I can relate to a
certain lack of confidence during my early teenage years due to a lack
of understanding of who I really am. But other than that I can’t
really relate to Stephen and his state of mind; I’m not really all
that different from everyone else, and I certainly wouldn’t take pride
that I’m “above” my peers in the way that Stephen does.
However, I realized while reading the blog prompt that Joyce is
showing us everything, absolutely everything, that goes on in
Stephen’s mind. I complain and mope a lot in my head, but not
everything that I think comes out of my mouth (in fact I would say
most of my thoughts are never voiced). I don’t really consider myself
to have a habit of thinking bad or mean thoughts, but I wouldn’t want
my thoughts out in the open for everyone to hear, as Stephen’s are to
the readers. And so, I’m deciding to give Stephen some more slack than
I’ve shown him thus far. For the most part, we can’t help some of the
things that pop into our head, and I shouldn’t get annoyed at Stephen
for something he (and Joyce) can’t control.
He mopes around throughout virtually the whole book (particularly
parts 2 and 3), constantly complaining about how sad he is and how
despicable his life/others’ lives are. I can understand that his
search for identity is central to the book, and I can relate to a
certain lack of confidence during my early teenage years due to a lack
of understanding of who I really am. But other than that I can’t
really relate to Stephen and his state of mind; I’m not really all
that different from everyone else, and I certainly wouldn’t take pride
that I’m “above” my peers in the way that Stephen does.
However, I realized while reading the blog prompt that Joyce is
showing us everything, absolutely everything, that goes on in
Stephen’s mind. I complain and mope a lot in my head, but not
everything that I think comes out of my mouth (in fact I would say
most of my thoughts are never voiced). I don’t really consider myself
to have a habit of thinking bad or mean thoughts, but I wouldn’t want
my thoughts out in the open for everyone to hear, as Stephen’s are to
the readers. And so, I’m deciding to give Stephen some more slack than
I’ve shown him thus far. For the most part, we can’t help some of the
things that pop into our head, and I shouldn’t get annoyed at Stephen
for something he (and Joyce) can’t control.
Ed
Jan 4, 2011, 9:19:59 PM1/4/11
to Third Period AP English
I don't like Stephen. He's not better than anyone at anything; he
isn't smarter, more handsome, or more athletic than anyone. If he is,
it's a wonder he hasn't let the reader know by now. He doesn't have a
unique skill; a lot of people are good writers. He is exceedingly
arrogant for a sixteen year old. I don't think he's nearly
experienced enough in life to call himself more mature than his
father; he worries himself on petty things. Does a teenage crush like
him? Is Byron truly a superior poet than Tennyson? He frets over
nothing. He also has a very immature religious stance. He believes
himself to be Catholic but then has sex multiple times with
prostitutes. He judges other people on their behavior but does not
fault himself. There's plenty not to like about Stephen. Even though
I say all this, I do, however, understand the thoughts that go through
his mind, even if I don't understand the order they are in (this
stream of consciousness method is somewhat interesting at first, but
soon enough, it gets too confusing and all interest is lost). I would
be confused too, if my uncle was growing senile and my family was
obviously growing poorer. I would be mad too, if I was a social
outcast. His anger and confusion is understandable; his arrogance is
not. He has done nothing to prove himself; since he is still growing
up, he should try and get all the good advice he can get, instead of
shutting people who love him, like his family, out of his life. What
I agree with is the belief that it is hard to like someone if you know
their every thought. Only the negative thoughts or thoughts I
disagree with would stick out in my mind, so it would be hard for me
to like a person I fully knew, excluding my family. Anyways, I don't
like Stephen; he needs to act his age. Maybe I'm a hater.
isn't smarter, more handsome, or more athletic than anyone. If he is,
it's a wonder he hasn't let the reader know by now. He doesn't have a
unique skill; a lot of people are good writers. He is exceedingly
arrogant for a sixteen year old. I don't think he's nearly
experienced enough in life to call himself more mature than his
father; he worries himself on petty things. Does a teenage crush like
him? Is Byron truly a superior poet than Tennyson? He frets over
nothing. He also has a very immature religious stance. He believes
himself to be Catholic but then has sex multiple times with
prostitutes. He judges other people on their behavior but does not
fault himself. There's plenty not to like about Stephen. Even though
I say all this, I do, however, understand the thoughts that go through
his mind, even if I don't understand the order they are in (this
stream of consciousness method is somewhat interesting at first, but
soon enough, it gets too confusing and all interest is lost). I would
be confused too, if my uncle was growing senile and my family was
obviously growing poorer. I would be mad too, if I was a social
outcast. His anger and confusion is understandable; his arrogance is
not. He has done nothing to prove himself; since he is still growing
up, he should try and get all the good advice he can get, instead of
shutting people who love him, like his family, out of his life. What
I agree with is the belief that it is hard to like someone if you know
their every thought. Only the negative thoughts or thoughts I
disagree with would stick out in my mind, so it would be hard for me
to like a person I fully knew, excluding my family. Anyways, I don't
like Stephen; he needs to act his age. Maybe I'm a hater.
Daniel Gutowski
Jan 5, 2011, 9:01:51 PM1/5/11
to Third Period AP English
Like everyone else, I am going to have to say that I do not enjoy
Stephen as a person, but i also feel like this reflects on how I would
feel about Joyce sense this is his image of himself. Although I am
also an artist, I challenge Stephen's artisticness. Simply because he
views things in a very visual or descriptive manner does not make him
an artist, yet once again, I feel like this is simply Joyce boasting
of himself, when credit cannot be given. However, comparably to
others, I somewhat like Stephen due to his sense of self and his
ability to disappear into what seems to be his own world. As do I,
Stephen seems to simply view others often as pawns being used in some
move around himself, affecting his life which is his own game rather
than viewing others as creative minds like him. Although this ideal
sounds selfish, its not for the self but rather for understanding,
which I can relate to. Knowing all of Stephen's thoughts does setup
the challenge of having any emotion about him. In first person, it's
like his thoughts are the readers thoughts making one think as he
does, which I'm sure is Joyce's goal. Overall, I'm not particularly
fond of Stephen, but he seems educated and sensible; Joyce, however, I
feel like i would heavily dislike.
Stephen as a person, but i also feel like this reflects on how I would
feel about Joyce sense this is his image of himself. Although I am
also an artist, I challenge Stephen's artisticness. Simply because he
views things in a very visual or descriptive manner does not make him
an artist, yet once again, I feel like this is simply Joyce boasting
of himself, when credit cannot be given. However, comparably to
others, I somewhat like Stephen due to his sense of self and his
ability to disappear into what seems to be his own world. As do I,
Stephen seems to simply view others often as pawns being used in some
move around himself, affecting his life which is his own game rather
than viewing others as creative minds like him. Although this ideal
sounds selfish, its not for the self but rather for understanding,
which I can relate to. Knowing all of Stephen's thoughts does setup
the challenge of having any emotion about him. In first person, it's
like his thoughts are the readers thoughts making one think as he
does, which I'm sure is Joyce's goal. Overall, I'm not particularly
fond of Stephen, but he seems educated and sensible; Joyce, however, I
feel like i would heavily dislike.
Jacob Ahearn
Jan 6, 2011, 5:38:41 PM1/6/11
to Third Period AP English
Stephen, or Joyce, is experiencing the Kanye West-syndrome. Kanye West
is so awesome that he puts the rest of the (mainstream) hip hop genre
to shame. But on the other hand, he is probably the cockiest person in
the world. And I don’t think I’m exaggerating. A lot of people despise
him for that. And he knows that, too. Just like how any other human
being would, he struggles with that truth. But Kanye has his art—and
he puts the entirety of himself through it. He doesn’t sugar-coat
anything. He’s honest, and he struggles, and he offers it to the
world.
Stephen isn’t supposed to be liked. The title of the book isn’t A
Portrait of the Likable Guy as a Young Man. He’s an artist—an
extraordinary one. And through this semi-autobiographical book, Joyce
bravely let’s everybody know his true face. A deeply flawed and
arrogant face. And I applaud him for that. Joyce isn’t unaware of his
flaws; he writes a whole book to expose them. If he wanted to be
liked, he would’ve had to lie about who he is. So I beg everybody to
not hate Stephen for having flaws—for being a human being.
is so awesome that he puts the rest of the (mainstream) hip hop genre
to shame. But on the other hand, he is probably the cockiest person in
the world. And I don’t think I’m exaggerating. A lot of people despise
him for that. And he knows that, too. Just like how any other human
being would, he struggles with that truth. But Kanye has his art—and
he puts the entirety of himself through it. He doesn’t sugar-coat
anything. He’s honest, and he struggles, and he offers it to the
world.
Stephen isn’t supposed to be liked. The title of the book isn’t A
Portrait of the Likable Guy as a Young Man. He’s an artist—an
extraordinary one. And through this semi-autobiographical book, Joyce
bravely let’s everybody know his true face. A deeply flawed and
arrogant face. And I applaud him for that. Joyce isn’t unaware of his
flaws; he writes a whole book to expose them. If he wanted to be
liked, he would’ve had to lie about who he is. So I beg everybody to
not hate Stephen for having flaws—for being a human being.
Tori Lewis
Jan 6, 2011, 5:51:42 PM1/6/11
to Third Period AP English
Like most people have said already, I do not like Stephen. He is
obnoxious and annoying. That may sound a bit forthright and
presumptuous as I have not read the entire book yet, but as of now I
do not like him. He moves around almost the whole back with a bad
attitude and sad disposition. He is not exactly admirable, then again
what kind of person who pays for sex and thinks he’s better than
everyone else is admirable? Stephen’s topic jumping and thought
process is also not something that attracts me to such a character as
Stephen Dedalus. However, the style of writing is James Joyce’s
fault, not Stephen’s. On that note though, A Portrait of the Artist
as a Young Man is an autobiographical story of James Joyce and if I
don’t like James Joyce then I don’t like Stephen, and I don’t like
Stephen; what a coincidence. I could never compare a character such
as Stephen (Joyce) to anyone. He is like no one I have ever met
before. He is pompous, arrogant, and rather selfish. Yes I have met
people who are one of those things, but not all three. I have no
doubt, however, that I think these things about Stephen because I know
his every thought. I will admit that. People would most likely not
like me if they could hear my every thought. I cannot get mad at
Stephen because I know his every thought, but that does not stop me
from disliking him. The thoughts one thinks are private and not for
the whole world to hear, unlike Stephen’s. It’s almost like the
reader of this novel has the power to read minds. I guess it’s really
only Stephen’s mind we can read. I do believe that it is hard to like
someone if you can read their every thought; however, I still don’t
like Stephen.
obnoxious and annoying. That may sound a bit forthright and
presumptuous as I have not read the entire book yet, but as of now I
do not like him. He moves around almost the whole back with a bad
attitude and sad disposition. He is not exactly admirable, then again
what kind of person who pays for sex and thinks he’s better than
everyone else is admirable? Stephen’s topic jumping and thought
process is also not something that attracts me to such a character as
Stephen Dedalus. However, the style of writing is James Joyce’s
fault, not Stephen’s. On that note though, A Portrait of the Artist
as a Young Man is an autobiographical story of James Joyce and if I
don’t like James Joyce then I don’t like Stephen, and I don’t like
Stephen; what a coincidence. I could never compare a character such
as Stephen (Joyce) to anyone. He is like no one I have ever met
before. He is pompous, arrogant, and rather selfish. Yes I have met
people who are one of those things, but not all three. I have no
doubt, however, that I think these things about Stephen because I know
his every thought. I will admit that. People would most likely not
like me if they could hear my every thought. I cannot get mad at
Stephen because I know his every thought, but that does not stop me
from disliking him. The thoughts one thinks are private and not for
the whole world to hear, unlike Stephen’s. It’s almost like the
reader of this novel has the power to read minds. I guess it’s really
only Stephen’s mind we can read. I do believe that it is hard to like
someone if you can read their every thought; however, I still don’t
like Stephen.
Katie
Jan 6, 2011, 8:07:21 PM1/6/11
to Third Period AP English
Mrs. Muirhead asked the question, "How can you like someone if you
know their every thought?" This is a good question but it is
interesting to think that if everyone's every thought was revealed,
then essentially everyone would be disliked. I think that it is human
nature to have some of the thoughts that Stephen has, especially the
thoughts dealing with his identity. Whether we admit it or not, all of
us have gone through a phase where we are not quite sure about who we
are. Some may even be struggling with something like that now, trying
to figure out what they will do with their life after college. Though
I think that Joyce is portraying a pretty realistic view of a person,
I do not particularly like Stephen as a character. Stephen is almost
too complex for me; I find it hard to keep up with his current beliefs
and thoughts on who he is. However, I am trying to keep in mind that I
may not really like Stephen because I have never read about a
character quite like him.
> > can you like someone if you know their every thought?- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
know their every thought?" This is a good question but it is
interesting to think that if everyone's every thought was revealed,
then essentially everyone would be disliked. I think that it is human
nature to have some of the thoughts that Stephen has, especially the
thoughts dealing with his identity. Whether we admit it or not, all of
us have gone through a phase where we are not quite sure about who we
are. Some may even be struggling with something like that now, trying
to figure out what they will do with their life after college. Though
I think that Joyce is portraying a pretty realistic view of a person,
I do not particularly like Stephen as a character. Stephen is almost
too complex for me; I find it hard to keep up with his current beliefs
and thoughts on who he is. However, I am trying to keep in mind that I
may not really like Stephen because I have never read about a
character quite like him.
>
> - Show quoted text -
Jenna Sharp
Jan 6, 2011, 8:56:02 PM1/6/11
to Third Period AP English
I hate Stephen. To be completely honest, I only like Stephen when he
makes mistakes and is thus brought back down to Earth from his pompous
bubble in which he is convinced that he is better than everyone else.
The reasons that I detest Stephen is not because he temporarily
rejected his faith or had sex with strippers, the reason I cannot
stand him is because of the way he thinks of himself, almost as a
figure of omnipotence like God. I appreciate the fact that Stephen
can admit when he is wrong, but the fact that he sees himself as an
artist (of literature and essays) but cannot find beauty in his family
or does not break out of his imagination bubble is frustrating to me.
At the outset of the book, Stephen always talked about the fiery
passion that he yearned to be able to express and the fact that he
wanted to eventually find his real soul. The only time I have seen
the kind of passion that Stephen claims to seek is when he was humbled
before God after the fire and brimstone sermon. He is the kind of
character who struggles between reality and imagination and thus has a
hard time leading a functional life. I admire his intelligence but he
almost negates it by the way he treats other people. Stephen is
relatable in the arena that he knows that passion is inside of him,
but he doesn't know how to find it or when he will meet his "real
soul". He is different from all other characters, but it is hard to
compare him to any character that compared to Stephen is really only
shown in a shallow light. We, the reader, know every figment of
Stephen's imagination and reality and I think this does make it near
impossible to like him. To his outside World, Stephen seems like a
pious, young and reticent young man who never makes a scene and
prefers to be alone. If you know someone’s every thought, I don't
think that you would like them because everyone absentmindedly passes
judgment and thinks private thoughts that they would be mortified if
someone else heard. The thoughts of a human mind are reserved for God
and I honestly think it was designed that way.
makes mistakes and is thus brought back down to Earth from his pompous
bubble in which he is convinced that he is better than everyone else.
The reasons that I detest Stephen is not because he temporarily
rejected his faith or had sex with strippers, the reason I cannot
stand him is because of the way he thinks of himself, almost as a
figure of omnipotence like God. I appreciate the fact that Stephen
can admit when he is wrong, but the fact that he sees himself as an
artist (of literature and essays) but cannot find beauty in his family
or does not break out of his imagination bubble is frustrating to me.
At the outset of the book, Stephen always talked about the fiery
passion that he yearned to be able to express and the fact that he
wanted to eventually find his real soul. The only time I have seen
the kind of passion that Stephen claims to seek is when he was humbled
before God after the fire and brimstone sermon. He is the kind of
character who struggles between reality and imagination and thus has a
hard time leading a functional life. I admire his intelligence but he
almost negates it by the way he treats other people. Stephen is
relatable in the arena that he knows that passion is inside of him,
but he doesn't know how to find it or when he will meet his "real
soul". He is different from all other characters, but it is hard to
compare him to any character that compared to Stephen is really only
shown in a shallow light. We, the reader, know every figment of
Stephen's imagination and reality and I think this does make it near
impossible to like him. To his outside World, Stephen seems like a
pious, young and reticent young man who never makes a scene and
prefers to be alone. If you know someone’s every thought, I don't
think that you would like them because everyone absentmindedly passes
judgment and thinks private thoughts that they would be mortified if
someone else heard. The thoughts of a human mind are reserved for God
and I honestly think it was designed that way.
On Jan 4, 11:39 am, Muirheid <muirhe...@marist.com> wrote:
MaryClaire
Jan 7, 2011, 10:11:43 AM1/7/11
to Third Period AP English
I must admit that Stephen drives me crazy. His attitude that he is
better than everyone around him makes him a cocky jerk. It may just be
that I do not consider myself an artist, and thus I do not understand
his inability to relate to anyone around him, but it seems to me that
he does not even try. Stephen is difficult to compare though because
he is the only character in the book we actuallyknow anything about. I
will admit that this view is probably because of the fact that I know
his every thought. When knowing a person in real life, one cannot hear
everything the other person is thinking, probably for the best. Often,
we are much harsher critics in our heads than we actually are out
loud. However, I think that there are people I could still like if I
knew their every thought. Stephen does not seem to really think well
of anyone ever, and perhaps its an optimistic and naive view, but I
would think that people generally like people too.
better than everyone around him makes him a cocky jerk. It may just be
that I do not consider myself an artist, and thus I do not understand
his inability to relate to anyone around him, but it seems to me that
he does not even try. Stephen is difficult to compare though because
he is the only character in the book we actuallyknow anything about. I
will admit that this view is probably because of the fact that I know
his every thought. When knowing a person in real life, one cannot hear
everything the other person is thinking, probably for the best. Often,
we are much harsher critics in our heads than we actually are out
loud. However, I think that there are people I could still like if I
knew their every thought. Stephen does not seem to really think well
of anyone ever, and perhaps its an optimistic and naive view, but I
would think that people generally like people too.
Chase
Jan 7, 2011, 10:18:16 AM1/7/11
to Third Period AP English
There's something I must admit; I enjoy hating the protagonist of some
novels almost as much as I enjoy loving the protagonists of others.
Sometimes, the main character is obnoxious, selfish, naive, immature,
and a lot of other mean words that probably shouldn't be posted to a
blog of this nature. When these characters reveal themselves, there's
nothing more fun than to take out my knife of hatred and
metaphorically stab this character with my knife of ill will and
laughter at his or her misfortunes. As much as I want to turn my
hatred onto Stephen, an immature, egotistical twat who wouldn't know a
healthy relationship with a female if he wass watching a romantic
movie flashing "healthy relationship" in bright neon lights while
someone forced him to pay attention "Clockwork Orange" style, I just
can't bring myself to draw the final blow. Every time I want to slap
him across the face, a thought crosses my mind that both scares and
humbles me: 'Am I really that different?"
Let's be clear: I have no plans to buy a prostitute within my lifetime
nor do I expect my father to become an immature drunk who ruins
everything for which my family has ever worked, but there is something
surprisingly appealing in seeing a character for who he or she really
is. None of this perfect protagonist lies that are thrown at us in
countless novels where the main character is nothing less than an
idealic saint whose sadness when issues occur remind one of a small
child learning that the Easter Bunny and Santa Clause aren't real. Not
even a perfectly imperfect protagonist a la Holden Caulfield where
everything about this character makes you want to scream or have him
brutally murdered to never be heard from again, or at least taken as
far away from the book as possible. No, Stephen is real; a true
insecure teenage guy who doesn't have the skills to be successful but
who has all the typical desires of someone growing into their own body
and mind. With every thought he makes or every mistake that seems
easily avoidable, I have a desire to go into the book and slap him for
being such an idiot. Almost immediately, however, I am reminded of the
times in which similar thoughts and desires crossed my own mind, and
similar mistakes were made. Sure, I'm not going to sleep with a
prostitute, but anyone who claims that such lustful desires have never
crossed their mind is lying. He is far from perfect, but he's also far
from incomprehensibly imperfect, and by entering his stream of
consciousness, we gain a realistic perspective on Stephen that is
familiar yet unsettling as everything he does makes him only a few
thoughts away from ourselves, and such introspection is unnerving to
say the least.
The question becomes thus: can a character which we as readers get to
know so intimately be enjoyable. My answer? No, no he can't, but he's
also not supposed to be. If we were meant to have a feel-good attitude
towards Stephen, Joyce would undoubtedly have written him much
differently. It's the uncomfortable familiarity on which the reader is
supposed to be fixated, and as long as that is present, the character
is not likeable. What that says about ourselves is much more
complicated. Maybe if we weren't all psychologically built to dismiss
our accomplishments and focus on our failures (a psychological
phenomena I like to call "My least favorite of God's design
strategies") we could grow to appreciate Stephen more. Instead,
Stephen just makes us realize an underlying dislike of ourselves.
I've got to stop writing so much on these things... :P
novels almost as much as I enjoy loving the protagonists of others.
Sometimes, the main character is obnoxious, selfish, naive, immature,
and a lot of other mean words that probably shouldn't be posted to a
blog of this nature. When these characters reveal themselves, there's
nothing more fun than to take out my knife of hatred and
metaphorically stab this character with my knife of ill will and
laughter at his or her misfortunes. As much as I want to turn my
hatred onto Stephen, an immature, egotistical twat who wouldn't know a
healthy relationship with a female if he wass watching a romantic
movie flashing "healthy relationship" in bright neon lights while
someone forced him to pay attention "Clockwork Orange" style, I just
can't bring myself to draw the final blow. Every time I want to slap
him across the face, a thought crosses my mind that both scares and
humbles me: 'Am I really that different?"
Let's be clear: I have no plans to buy a prostitute within my lifetime
nor do I expect my father to become an immature drunk who ruins
everything for which my family has ever worked, but there is something
surprisingly appealing in seeing a character for who he or she really
is. None of this perfect protagonist lies that are thrown at us in
countless novels where the main character is nothing less than an
idealic saint whose sadness when issues occur remind one of a small
child learning that the Easter Bunny and Santa Clause aren't real. Not
even a perfectly imperfect protagonist a la Holden Caulfield where
everything about this character makes you want to scream or have him
brutally murdered to never be heard from again, or at least taken as
far away from the book as possible. No, Stephen is real; a true
insecure teenage guy who doesn't have the skills to be successful but
who has all the typical desires of someone growing into their own body
and mind. With every thought he makes or every mistake that seems
easily avoidable, I have a desire to go into the book and slap him for
being such an idiot. Almost immediately, however, I am reminded of the
times in which similar thoughts and desires crossed my own mind, and
similar mistakes were made. Sure, I'm not going to sleep with a
prostitute, but anyone who claims that such lustful desires have never
crossed their mind is lying. He is far from perfect, but he's also far
from incomprehensibly imperfect, and by entering his stream of
consciousness, we gain a realistic perspective on Stephen that is
familiar yet unsettling as everything he does makes him only a few
thoughts away from ourselves, and such introspection is unnerving to
say the least.
The question becomes thus: can a character which we as readers get to
know so intimately be enjoyable. My answer? No, no he can't, but he's
also not supposed to be. If we were meant to have a feel-good attitude
towards Stephen, Joyce would undoubtedly have written him much
differently. It's the uncomfortable familiarity on which the reader is
supposed to be fixated, and as long as that is present, the character
is not likeable. What that says about ourselves is much more
complicated. Maybe if we weren't all psychologically built to dismiss
our accomplishments and focus on our failures (a psychological
phenomena I like to call "My least favorite of God's design
strategies") we could grow to appreciate Stephen more. Instead,
Stephen just makes us realize an underlying dislike of ourselves.
I've got to stop writing so much on these things... :P
Nicole
Jan 7, 2011, 10:22:13 AM1/7/11
to Third Period AP English
I personally do not care for Stephen Dedalus all that much; however, I
think this is because I know every single one of his thoughts. While
reading a Portrait of an Artist as a Young Man, I found it hard not to
judge Stephen for his thoughts. The way he describes people makes them
seem so inferior to him. For instance, when he thinks about his good
friend Heron, he describes him as a bad kid even though Heron is one
of his closer friends! Also, Stephen is so conceited. At the party, he
cannot have a good time because he thinks of himself as too good to
play around and better than all of the other kids. Furthermore, he
boasts about how he is the best writer at his school, and when the
teacher tries to critique his writing, Stephen makes up excuses for
his "mistakes." Lastly, Stephen is going to see prostitutes when he is
only sixteen! I know he goes to ask for forgiveness, but at such a
young age, what provoked him to commit such sins.
After experiencing all of Stephen's thoughts, I don't think that I
could ever like someone if I constantly knew what was on his mind.
First of all, it is really hard to follow someone else's train of
thoughts because I don't make all of the connections that he has from
past experiences. Secondly, "some thoughts are better left unsaid." I
would rather not know the evil thoughts that go on in some people's
heads. I guess it would just be hard to like someone and be
entertained by him if I already knew all of his thoughts, and it would
be hard not to make judgements about that person.
think this is because I know every single one of his thoughts. While
reading a Portrait of an Artist as a Young Man, I found it hard not to
judge Stephen for his thoughts. The way he describes people makes them
seem so inferior to him. For instance, when he thinks about his good
friend Heron, he describes him as a bad kid even though Heron is one
of his closer friends! Also, Stephen is so conceited. At the party, he
cannot have a good time because he thinks of himself as too good to
play around and better than all of the other kids. Furthermore, he
boasts about how he is the best writer at his school, and when the
teacher tries to critique his writing, Stephen makes up excuses for
his "mistakes." Lastly, Stephen is going to see prostitutes when he is
only sixteen! I know he goes to ask for forgiveness, but at such a
young age, what provoked him to commit such sins.
After experiencing all of Stephen's thoughts, I don't think that I
could ever like someone if I constantly knew what was on his mind.
First of all, it is really hard to follow someone else's train of
thoughts because I don't make all of the connections that he has from
past experiences. Secondly, "some thoughts are better left unsaid." I
would rather not know the evil thoughts that go on in some people's
heads. I guess it would just be hard to like someone and be
entertained by him if I already knew all of his thoughts, and it would
be hard not to make judgements about that person.
Scott Selvey
Jan 7, 2011, 2:35:21 PM1/7/11
to Third Period AP English
My opinion of stephen varies with every page i read. I disagree with
some of his actions and cockiness, but I respect him for being so
brutally honest about how he thinks and feels. I am impressed with
his maturity, but many of his actions are far from admirable. Stephen
is an extremely hard character to relate to. I have never had to
suddenly change schools, and have certainly never come anywhere close
to winning an essay contest. Also, I have never considered making use
of a prostitute's services or felt a burning desire to confess to
something I've done. I think it is nearly impossible to like someone
if you know their every thought. People are able to get along with
each other because we are able to filter our thoughts and only say the
things we really want to. Everybody thinks something at least every
now and then that they know should never be said aloud.
some of his actions and cockiness, but I respect him for being so
brutally honest about how he thinks and feels. I am impressed with
his maturity, but many of his actions are far from admirable. Stephen
is an extremely hard character to relate to. I have never had to
suddenly change schools, and have certainly never come anywhere close
to winning an essay contest. Also, I have never considered making use
of a prostitute's services or felt a burning desire to confess to
something I've done. I think it is nearly impossible to like someone
if you know their every thought. People are able to get along with
each other because we are able to filter our thoughts and only say the
things we really want to. Everybody thinks something at least every
now and then that they know should never be said aloud.
Greg Ehmer
Jan 7, 2011, 3:11:28 PM1/7/11
to Third Period AP English
Stephen is a very difficult character to understand, and this really
frustrates me because I guess I am used to very one dimensional
characters. Stephen though seems like he changes constantly
throughout the book which in turn makes it hard for me to get to know
him which is what I prefer. Stephen is somewhat relatable in that his
experiences and thoughts in the novel are very similar to what many
people experience at his age, and he goes through the mood swings and
emotional volatility that most experience. Stephen’s arrogance though
is something that really puts me off about him. He has no respect for
his elders which I really hate, and his arrogance towards his father
is unmatched. He thinks that he is great at everything but he really
isn’t except writing. He thinks that he is entitled because he won
that silly contest, but it is not like he is the only talented in the
world.
The fact that Stephen’s thought are visible for everyone to read in
the book make it very hard to like them. I think that your thoughts
should be your thoughts and that is the way that I prefer it to be. I
guess you want to be ignorant to other’s inner thoughts and just deal
with the person they appear to be because inner thoughts are exactly
those…inner thoughts for nobody to know. I guess Joyce kind of let it
up to the reader if they decide if they like Stephen based on his
thoughts. I think that someone could like Stephen by knowing his
thoughts if they appreciate his very honest language in his mind, but
that isn’t really my cup of tea.
frustrates me because I guess I am used to very one dimensional
characters. Stephen though seems like he changes constantly
throughout the book which in turn makes it hard for me to get to know
him which is what I prefer. Stephen is somewhat relatable in that his
experiences and thoughts in the novel are very similar to what many
people experience at his age, and he goes through the mood swings and
emotional volatility that most experience. Stephen’s arrogance though
is something that really puts me off about him. He has no respect for
his elders which I really hate, and his arrogance towards his father
is unmatched. He thinks that he is great at everything but he really
isn’t except writing. He thinks that he is entitled because he won
that silly contest, but it is not like he is the only talented in the
world.
The fact that Stephen’s thought are visible for everyone to read in
the book make it very hard to like them. I think that your thoughts
should be your thoughts and that is the way that I prefer it to be. I
guess you want to be ignorant to other’s inner thoughts and just deal
with the person they appear to be because inner thoughts are exactly
those…inner thoughts for nobody to know. I guess Joyce kind of let it
up to the reader if they decide if they like Stephen based on his
thoughts. I think that someone could like Stephen by knowing his
thoughts if they appreciate his very honest language in his mind, but
that isn’t really my cup of tea.
erwo...@marist.com
Jan 7, 2011, 3:16:22 PM1/7/11
to Third Period AP English
I agree that Stephen’s thoughts are not very agreeable. Stephen’s
internal conflicts remind me of the reasons why I disliked Hamlet. He
mopes around rather than act such as when he fears for damnation. He
allows his emotions to get in the way of rational thinking like
Hamlet. However, I can sympathize. It would be difficult to hold a
high opinion of anyone after hearing their thoughts. Everyone has
certain thoughts that they would never be willing to post on a public
bulletin board. Why do kids fear to show their parents their Facebook
accounts? For example, it is human nature to judge and criticize
someone upon first impressions, and many of these are based on
stereotypes or past experiences rather than reflecting on the judged
individual. If the reader did not know Stephen’s thoughts, would they
know that Stephen is extremely arrogant about his writing skills,
disrespectful towards his father, and has annoying internal meltdowns
about past events? No, they probably would not.
internal conflicts remind me of the reasons why I disliked Hamlet. He
mopes around rather than act such as when he fears for damnation. He
allows his emotions to get in the way of rational thinking like
Hamlet. However, I can sympathize. It would be difficult to hold a
high opinion of anyone after hearing their thoughts. Everyone has
certain thoughts that they would never be willing to post on a public
bulletin board. Why do kids fear to show their parents their Facebook
accounts? For example, it is human nature to judge and criticize
someone upon first impressions, and many of these are based on
stereotypes or past experiences rather than reflecting on the judged
individual. If the reader did not know Stephen’s thoughts, would they
know that Stephen is extremely arrogant about his writing skills,
disrespectful towards his father, and has annoying internal meltdowns
about past events? No, they probably would not.
Cristina Rocca
Jan 7, 2011, 4:52:02 PM1/7/11
to Third Period AP English
Honestly, I am not too fond of Stephen. I think he’s pretty stuck-up
and thinks of himself as much more mature and “better” than the people
around him. I think a sign of maturity is actually realizing and
recognizing that there are people just as amazing and talented as you
are, but Stephen certainly does not consider this idea. I definitely
think he is a unique and interesting character. His thoughts as an
“artist” are deep and profound, but he can definitely pass petty
judgments at times. I think that the reason I don’t like Stephen that
much is because I know all of his thoughts. There are some things that
are better left unsaid, not necessarily because they’re too mean, but
more because they’re just petty, unnecessarily rude thoughts. I also
do not really like his outlook on life. It is quite depressing, and he
does not seem to have any tangible aspirations, but then complains
about everything and everyone.
and thinks of himself as much more mature and “better” than the people
around him. I think a sign of maturity is actually realizing and
recognizing that there are people just as amazing and talented as you
are, but Stephen certainly does not consider this idea. I definitely
think he is a unique and interesting character. His thoughts as an
“artist” are deep and profound, but he can definitely pass petty
judgments at times. I think that the reason I don’t like Stephen that
much is because I know all of his thoughts. There are some things that
are better left unsaid, not necessarily because they’re too mean, but
more because they’re just petty, unnecessarily rude thoughts. I also
do not really like his outlook on life. It is quite depressing, and he
does not seem to have any tangible aspirations, but then complains
about everything and everyone.
Alyssa Boehnlein
Jan 7, 2011, 9:05:46 PM1/7/11
to Third Period AP English
I can't say that I am a fan of Stephen Dedalus. I understand that he
is only trying to find his own identity throughout the entire novel,
and in this way I find him a relatable and likable character. After
all, many people struggle with trying to find their own place in the
world. However, when Stephen realizes that he is different, and
therefore an artist, he takes these differences to the extreme.
Stephen doesn't make the best decisions, but this is not the reason I
dislike his character. Rather, it is his arrogance and the fact that
he thinks himself to be better than any of his contemporaries that I
find to be annoying. He doesn't see the worth in any other person, and
I find his view of women very degrading. For example, yes, the Virgin
Mary is role model for women, but Stephen does not seem to comprehend
that not every woman can live up to that standard.
One thing that I do like about Stephen is that he honestly does not
care about what other people think of him. I find this to be a great
feat. So many people are so worried about what other people will say
about them that they forget who they truly are. Stephen however is
absolutely honest about his life, and it is hard to dislike him for
his honesty. After all, the reader knows every thought that goes
through Stephen's head, and it would be hard to like anyone if we knew
all of their thoughts. Words are used as a filter for thoughts, but
because we are seeing Stephen's thoughts, we learn everything, and no
one is going to like absolutely everything that a person thinks.
is only trying to find his own identity throughout the entire novel,
and in this way I find him a relatable and likable character. After
all, many people struggle with trying to find their own place in the
world. However, when Stephen realizes that he is different, and
therefore an artist, he takes these differences to the extreme.
Stephen doesn't make the best decisions, but this is not the reason I
dislike his character. Rather, it is his arrogance and the fact that
he thinks himself to be better than any of his contemporaries that I
find to be annoying. He doesn't see the worth in any other person, and
I find his view of women very degrading. For example, yes, the Virgin
Mary is role model for women, but Stephen does not seem to comprehend
that not every woman can live up to that standard.
One thing that I do like about Stephen is that he honestly does not
care about what other people think of him. I find this to be a great
feat. So many people are so worried about what other people will say
about them that they forget who they truly are. Stephen however is
absolutely honest about his life, and it is hard to dislike him for
his honesty. After all, the reader knows every thought that goes
through Stephen's head, and it would be hard to like anyone if we knew
all of their thoughts. Words are used as a filter for thoughts, but
because we are seeing Stephen's thoughts, we learn everything, and no
one is going to like absolutely everything that a person thinks.
Brendan Hickey
Jan 7, 2011, 10:58:42 PM1/7/11
to Third Period AP English
I have to say, I find Stephen incredibly irritating. I feel that he
takes almost every stereotype of an artist and embodies them, thinking
that sense he is an artistic person that this is how he should act. He
thinks himself infinitely superior while giving in to the basest of
instincts, revealing a level of hypocrisy that is actually quite
shocking. He also seems to believe that being different means being
completely separated from the rest of the world, elevated above other
humans, a belief that I strongly oppose and find incredibly pigheaded.
While it would certainly be difficult to be friends with anyone if I
knew their every thought, I would still find something to latch on to.
Stephen always seems so cold and humorless that I feel were I to
interact with him in the real world I would grow bored and quickly
annoyed. He never seems to have a sense of humor, and is more
interested in maintaining his lofty presence above the "commoners"
than in appreciating life as it happens. He is always quick to see
faults and those virtues that he sees in others tend to be
inexplicably connected to the Catholic faith in a way that idealizes a
person to a point of perfection that they could never reach. I find
him to be an incredibly obnoxious individual.
takes almost every stereotype of an artist and embodies them, thinking
that sense he is an artistic person that this is how he should act. He
thinks himself infinitely superior while giving in to the basest of
instincts, revealing a level of hypocrisy that is actually quite
shocking. He also seems to believe that being different means being
completely separated from the rest of the world, elevated above other
humans, a belief that I strongly oppose and find incredibly pigheaded.
While it would certainly be difficult to be friends with anyone if I
knew their every thought, I would still find something to latch on to.
Stephen always seems so cold and humorless that I feel were I to
interact with him in the real world I would grow bored and quickly
annoyed. He never seems to have a sense of humor, and is more
interested in maintaining his lofty presence above the "commoners"
than in appreciating life as it happens. He is always quick to see
faults and those virtues that he sees in others tend to be
inexplicably connected to the Catholic faith in a way that idealizes a
person to a point of perfection that they could never reach. I find
him to be an incredibly obnoxious individual.
Daniel
Jan 8, 2011, 9:49:47 AM1/8/11
to Third Period AP English
I think Stephen is comparable to an annoying fly, buzzing in the
reader’s ear. Constantly whining and complaining about how hard life
is for him, he misses the good things in life for the bad, which he
dwells on to no end. He is neither impressive nor admirable, but for
some reason, we see a bit of ourselves in him. Above all, Stephen is
human. He shows us what we all experience, though we may experience
only a fraction of the emotional turmoil he does. While this does make
Stephen more relatable, it does not make him any more likable. Humans
hate most in others what they hate about themselves, and I feel like
Joyce depicts Stephen in such a way as to embody as many flaws of the
human condition as he could, thus causing a reaction against Stephen
in as many readers as possible. As far as the comparison of Stephen to
other characters, I feel it is worth noting that no character in the
book is portrayed in a very flattering light. Stephen is surrounded by
people who bully or make fun of him, even while with his family. By
passing judgment on Stephen’s character, we embrace his own flaw of
being exceedingly judgmental.
reader’s ear. Constantly whining and complaining about how hard life
is for him, he misses the good things in life for the bad, which he
dwells on to no end. He is neither impressive nor admirable, but for
some reason, we see a bit of ourselves in him. Above all, Stephen is
human. He shows us what we all experience, though we may experience
only a fraction of the emotional turmoil he does. While this does make
Stephen more relatable, it does not make him any more likable. Humans
hate most in others what they hate about themselves, and I feel like
Joyce depicts Stephen in such a way as to embody as many flaws of the
human condition as he could, thus causing a reaction against Stephen
in as many readers as possible. As far as the comparison of Stephen to
other characters, I feel it is worth noting that no character in the
book is portrayed in a very flattering light. Stephen is surrounded by
people who bully or make fun of him, even while with his family. By
passing judgment on Stephen’s character, we embrace his own flaw of
being exceedingly judgmental.
Alex
Jan 8, 2011, 3:55:50 PM1/8/11
to Third Period AP English
I don't like Stephen very much. I think that he keeps searching for
something that isn't found anywhere on earth. It seems that he just
goes through the motions of life but he doesn't have any true meaning
in his life. He also blames everything on others, especially his
dad. I do think that Stephen's dad is a drunk and doesn't take
responsibility for his family, but Stephen also doesn't take
responsibility for anything either. I think he is similar to his
father in that way. I think Stephen is trying to search for something
while his dad has given up, which makes him different. I think it is
very hard to like someone while you know every thought. Sometimes we
have very strange thoughts that we would never dream of saying out
loud or acting on. Our thoughts are so private and they can be
extremely dangerous. Some thoughts that Stephen has make me angry,
but some of his thoughts are insightful which help us grow to know him
better.
something that isn't found anywhere on earth. It seems that he just
goes through the motions of life but he doesn't have any true meaning
in his life. He also blames everything on others, especially his
dad. I do think that Stephen's dad is a drunk and doesn't take
responsibility for his family, but Stephen also doesn't take
responsibility for anything either. I think he is similar to his
father in that way. I think Stephen is trying to search for something
while his dad has given up, which makes him different. I think it is
very hard to like someone while you know every thought. Sometimes we
have very strange thoughts that we would never dream of saying out
loud or acting on. Our thoughts are so private and they can be
extremely dangerous. Some thoughts that Stephen has make me angry,
but some of his thoughts are insightful which help us grow to know him
better.
Maria Kurilo
Jan 9, 2011, 10:38:48 PM1/9/11
to Third Period AP English
Stephan Dedalus is a rather unique character, but I am not very fond
of this independent thinker. Stephen is very thoughtful and observant
and looks for his own way to explain or rationalize the things that he
does not understand. He conveys his feelings through extensive
descriptions and elaborate details regarding his environment. Stephen
is lost in his reality, constantly searching for his identity; he
states, “I am Stephen Dedalus. I am walking beside my father whose
name is Simon Dedalus. We are in Cork, in Ireland” (Joyce 92). I do
not particularly like Stephen, because of his indecisive persona. He
constantly overanalyzes his actions without agreeing upon a legitimate
decision. I cannot compare my own sense of being to Stephen's; he
seems to hold the opinion of being "above" everyone in his life. He
does not obtain any substantial relationships (he constantly feels
isolated), and he does not come off as a very amiable character
throughout the story. Stephen cannot help the fact that his thoughts
are open for everyone to know, but his thoughts come off as full of
pride, which makes Stephen a frustrating character to follow.
of this independent thinker. Stephen is very thoughtful and observant
and looks for his own way to explain or rationalize the things that he
does not understand. He conveys his feelings through extensive
descriptions and elaborate details regarding his environment. Stephen
is lost in his reality, constantly searching for his identity; he
states, “I am Stephen Dedalus. I am walking beside my father whose
name is Simon Dedalus. We are in Cork, in Ireland” (Joyce 92). I do
not particularly like Stephen, because of his indecisive persona. He
constantly overanalyzes his actions without agreeing upon a legitimate
decision. I cannot compare my own sense of being to Stephen's; he
seems to hold the opinion of being "above" everyone in his life. He
does not obtain any substantial relationships (he constantly feels
isolated), and he does not come off as a very amiable character
throughout the story. Stephen cannot help the fact that his thoughts
are open for everyone to know, but his thoughts come off as full of
pride, which makes Stephen a frustrating character to follow.
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