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The narrator's technique

Describe the narrative technique Joyce employs to convey to the reader Stephen’s state of mind and physiological development.

By employing a lot of interior monologues James Joyce tries to convey Stephen’s thoughts and state of mind to the reader. In his first interior monologue Stephen questions the correctness of the hierarchical order which predominates in this Jesuit school. This also reflects a stream of consciousness in which he is in. In addition the author uses detailed descriptions of Stephen’s behaviour and thoughts, for example the situation in which Stephen is flogged by the prefect of studies. Here it becomes clear that Stephen is afraid of the prefect.
James Joyce emphasizes Stephen’s fear by letting him stutter.
Generally one can say that the author describes the events as Stephen sees them. So a limited point-of-view is given.

Ines


Invitation to Literature, Cornelsen 1990