Major Themes in A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man

1.Theme of chaos and commotion as interwoven in the fine fabrics of the novel as Stephen s mind is pre-occupied by such state. 2.Theme of metamorphosis (from ordinary creature to an exceptional creator) as Stephen after going through many tantrums and predicaments ,elevates to the degree of an icon. 3.Theme of rebellion is manifestly evident in all the chapters of the novel as being an iconoclast Stephen has a strong propensity. 4.Theme of clash between religious and political issues as elaborately delineated throughout the novel to give novel a stark and solid picture of Irish society to go against the wind. 5.Theme of nationalism (Irish patriotism) as well as failing economic states of affairs which are beautifully twisted in the silky threads of realism. 6.Theme of psychological dilemma (mental disintegration) that is vividly and lucidly explained by the way ward and dispersed thoughts of hero Stephen. 7.Theme of creativity is also very rampant or prevalent one which is elucidated by Stephen in the form of the propounding of his aesthetic theory . 8.Theme of debauchery ( moral and spiritual corruption) as Stephens wavering thoughts lead him astray and he finds his niche in the arms of lusty women . 9.Theme of scepticism (rejection of religion) Stephens repentance and then act of renunciation serves as a major trait in the development of the hero . 10.Theme of escape (Mythology related to Daedalus) as Stephen consider himself to be confined in the labyrinth of Dublin as to be akin to Daedalus imprisonment in Athens labyrinth. 11.Theme of autobiographical elements is also fabulously placed in the undercurrents of the novel as Stephen seems to be the replica of the author. Conclusion: To cut the long short, we may say that Joyces novel A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man is an artistic amalgam of striking themes which are studded in the undercurrents of the novel like precious gems and jewels which add lustre and luminosity to the creative splendour of the novelist. These themes also exhibit the authors profound and ardent approach of his contemporary era as he has triumphantly endevoured to pluck out the genre of Irish novel from the ordinary realms of traditions into the esteemed regime of universality.