Ideas for Reports and Papers
1. The novel's opening chapter aligns with the fall and death of Charles Stewart Parnell, who remains a crucial figure on the periphery of the action throughout. He is represented by Dante's green brush; his demise forms part of Stephen's feverish vision while he is in the infirmary; and conversations about him disrupt the Joyces' Christmas dinner. Explore Parnell's life, mission, and downfall, and discuss his importance to Joyce's novel.
2. Portrait is set against the backdrop of the Irish Revival, a cultural movement from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, featuring figures like W.B. Yeats, Lady Augusta Gregory, J.M. Synge, and others. This movement aimed to revive, spread, and celebrate Irish stories and traditions in response to British cultural dominance. Research the Irish Revival and consider how Joyce might be reacting to it. Is he a participant in this movement, or is he critical of it?
3. Read Ovid's account of the flight of Daedalus and Icarus in his Metamorphoses (Book 8) and reflect on Joyce's reasons for naming his young artist "Dedalus." Alternatively, research the story of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, and contemplate why that name might be fitting.
4. Compare Joyce's use of the Daedalus/Icarus myth with W.H. Auden's interpretation in his poem "Musee des Beaux Arts" or with William Carlos Williams' rendition in "The Fall of Icarus."
5. Joyce meticulously crafts the style and language of each episode to mirror Stephen's growth at different stages. Conduct a detailed comparison of two sections, examining how Joyce adapts the style and language to suit the specific phase in Stephen's life.
6. Discuss some of the methods Joyce employs to ironically distance himself from Stephen.
7. Portrait is an autobiographical novel that closely mirrors the early life of its author. Select a character or episode from the novel and compare its portrayal with the account provided by Joyce's biographer, Richard Ellmann, in his book James Joyce. Possible topics include Simon Dedalus (based on Joyce's father, John Joyce), Mrs. Dedalus (Mary Joyce), Dante (Mrs. Hearn Conway), or Stephen's years at Clongowes, Belvedere College, or University College Dublin. Analyze the changes Joyce made and consider his reasons for making them.
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