The (A)(De)scent of the Artist:

Literary Influences in The Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man

The Myth of Daedalus & IcarusInventor – Built the Labyrinth, in order to house the Minotaur –

Deceived King Minos by revealing the secret of the Labyrinth – Imprisoned with his son, Icarus – Escaped by fashioning wax wings – Warned his son not to fly to close to the water nor to

close to the sun – Icarus, overwhelmed by the joy of flying, flew to close to the sun, his wing melted and he fell to the ocean and

drowned

What might this myth symbolize? How is it referenced and/or used in The Portrait of

the Artist?Why is Stephen named Dedalus?

Dante’s The Divine ComedyEpic Italian poem written in the early 14th century – Follows

Dante’s journey though Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise – An allegory for the soul’s journey to God – Introduces the notion that the soul must descend before it can ascend – Discusses the role of the artist (Dante & Virgil) as leader and guide – Introduces the

Beatrice Character (Feminine Beauty as Inspiration & Guide)

What might this story symbolize? How is it referenced and/or used in The Portrait of

the Artist?If you were to map the elevation of Stephen’s journey, what

would it look like?Where is Stephen headed?