Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man

Final Project

 

The assignment is typed, double-spaced, and at least four pages in length.  It may be turned in at any time up to and including Tuesday, February 19.  The completed essays should be emailed as .doc or .rtf attachments.  Note that I cannot read .docx files.

 

Section 1 (2+ pps):

 

What did you struggle with in this novel?  What ideas and concepts were hard to digest?  This is not a question relating to how long it took you to read, how many words you had to look up, or even if you liked or disliked the book.  It should be related to Joyce’s view of cognition (think of the entire structure of the novel and his “thinking about thinking”) or his struggle to define art and become an artist (what elements were necessary for this to occur?) or the role of family, church, school, Irish politics, etc. in Stephen’s life and self-exile.  Be specific with examples from the book.

 

Section 2 (1.5+ pps):

 

Did this novel affect the way you think about cognition, art, maturation, writing, etc.?  Did you gain any personal insight or epiphany in the course of studying this book?  If so, what was it?  If not, why not?  (Here is where you can explore your reasons for not relating to this book: it is trite, it is too complex, it is too dated, etc.)  Be specific with examples from the book.  While you’re at it, take a moment to think about thinking.  Describe your own thought process.  What do you think at this point about art, beauty, and whatever is important to you?  How did the events of your life shape the way you think and your formation of a world view?  What is your world view?

 

Section 3 (1.5+ pps):

 

Answer one of the following in an organized short essay with textual references:

 

1.      Explain Stephen’s theory of art as it relates to his vision of himself as The Artist.

2.      Discuss the villanelle (poem) in Chapter 5 as the culmination of Stephen’s pining for Emma and the girls of his youth.

3.      Discuss Stephen’s relationships with his college friends and the point that Joyce is making through them.

4.      Explore the final “diary” entries: why does the book end this way and what does it say about Stephen?

5.      Examine the use of humor in Chapter 5 and its effect on our perception of the character of Stephen.

 

Rubric for grading:

 

Section 1:

  1. displays thoughtful analysis of a complex issue facing Stephen in the book
  2. shows how the student overcame difficulties to understand these complex issues
  3. uses well-selected references from the book correctly with clear understanding
  4. displays knowledge of a deeper meaning of the book as a whole

 

Section 2:

  1. displays knowledge and insight of the deeper meaning of the book as a whole
  2. shows a personal relationship to the meaning of the book (or a lack of a personal relationship to it)
  3. shows effort in understanding personal cognition

 

Section 3:

  1. shows clear organization including thesis, conclusion, etc.
  2. uses text well for support
  3. displays understanding of the meaning of the book and insight into the character of Stephen

 

Overall Considerations:

  1. The rules of grammar and writing mechanics apply.
  2. Edit and proofread your work!
  3. Personal voice is always appreciated but not at the cost of sloppy writing.

 

J

 

After the weekend, we’ll wrap up some of the ideas you come up with and some issues in Chapter 5 we have not yet had time for.  Have a nice four day break!

 

 

Extra Credit:

 

For additional credit, answer any one additional essay above.  You may include it with this package if you clearly label it “extra credit” or send it separately.  Either way, it is due by the project due date.

 

Questions about anything?

 

Email me!