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A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man is a semi-autobiographical novel by James Joyce. Summary of the Book In this novel, Joyce writes with a tone that evolves as the central character, Stephen Daedalus, grows. He begins with Stephen’s youth, his time as an infant and his days at school. He delves into Stephen’s psyche, using his own memories of his youth, and imbues Stephen with his own ideals and dreams. Partly autobiographical in nature, this novel tells the story of a man who abandons himself to sensual pleasures, rediscovering himself through acts of penance and religious reading. Stephen later reaches university, disillusioned of all the institutions around him. He seeks a new beginning, one that will allow him to find himself and his true destiny. About James Joyce James Joyce is one of the most popular novelists in the English language. He has also written The Dubliners and, his magnum opus, Ulysses, a loose sequel to this novel.