Exploring the Metaphor of Dedalus and Icarus in Stephen's Journey

The Myth of Dedalus and Icarus

The story of Dedalus and Icarus from Greek mythology is a tale of a father and son attempting to escape from the island of Crete. Dedalus, a skilled craftsman, builds wings made of feathers and wax for himself and his son Icarus. As they fly away, Icarus becomes overconfident and flies too close to the sun, causing the wax to melt and him to fall into the sea.

Connection to Stephen

In James Joyce's novel "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man," the metaphor of Dedalus and Icarus is used to represent Stephen Dedalus, the protagonist. Here are some ways in which the myth connects to Stephen:

A. To demonstrate the kind of environment Stephen grew up in. Stephen was raised in a strict Catholic household and faced societal and familial pressures that constrained his creativity and individuality.

B. To show he is an artist who needs to fashion his own wings to fly away and separate from family, Church, Ireland. Like Dedalus, Stephen needs to break free from the constraints of his upbringing and societal expectations to pursue his artistic ambitions.

C. To show that Stephen is a Greek mythic hero who can overcome obstacles. By identifying with the mythic hero, Stephen is portrayed as someone who can defy conventional norms and chart his own path in life.

D. To show how Stephen's friends help him escape from his oppressive life. Stephen's friends play a crucial role in supporting his journey towards self-discovery and independence. They provide him with the encouragement and companionship he needs to break free from the limitations of his past.

The Correct Answer

The correct answer is D: To show how Stephen's friends help him escape from his oppressive life. Stephen feels that his life has a profound purpose. But after leaving university and facing his parents' disappointment, Stephen seeks to liberate himself from his family, his country, and his religion. We witness Stephen's transformation into an artist living abroad, liberated from the ties of family, country, and religion.

How does the metaphor of Dedalus and Icarus myth connect to Stephen?

The correct answer is D: To show how Stephen's friends help him escape from his oppressive life. Stephen feels that his life has a profound purpose. But after leaving university and with their parents' disappointment, Stephen wants to free himself from his family, his country, and his religion. We can see Stephen's metamorphosis into an artist living abroad, free from family, country, and religion.