Analyses Of Female Characters In A Portrait Of The Artist As A Young Man

James Joyce,one of the most important western writers in the 20th century,is very popular among female critics who are greatly attracted by the female characters in his novels.The destiny of these female characters in Joyce's novels causes controversy among critics.On one hand,some critics hold that James Joyce is a misogynist;he describes his female characters,who are either Virgin Mary or whores,in an unfair angle. Others think James Joyce is a supporter of female on the other hand.Based on the analyses of A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man,this thesis holds the viewpoint that James Joyce puts the female characters in an unfair position in the novel. This paper analyzes the novel from the feminist perspective,pointing out that women have exerted much influence on Stephen in the aspects of sex,religion and politics,and pursuit of art.The female characters are the representatives of the trite conventions and customs; therefore,their affections are more from the negative ways.As an autobiography,A portrait of the Artist as a Young Man clearly reflects James Joyce's unfair view about women.Besides introduction and conclusion,this thesis consists of three chapters.Introduction serves as a brief introduction to feminist critique on James Joyce and the theoretical perspectives of A portrait of the Artist as a Young Man.Chapter one focuses on the biographical account on James Joyce and Stephen. Chapter two analyzes women's influences on Stephen.They directly affect Stephen in terms of sex,religion and politics,and thus cause him to escape to be an artist finally.Chapter three investigates Stephen's escape and artist life in detail.In the novel, Stephen grows from a baby knew nothing to be a young man who has his own idea;and all of the rebellious actions of him are done by the influences of women around him.Conclusion offers a conclusion to the paper and reemphasizes the theme of the writing again.