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Stephen Quote by James Joyce

“olemnly he came forward and mounted the round gunrest. He faced about and blessed gravely thrice the tower, the surrounding land and the awaking mountains. Then, catching sight of Stephen Dedalus, he bent towards him and made rapid crosses in the air, gurgling in his throat and shaking his head…” quote by James Joyce
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““olemnly he came forward and mounted the round gunrest. He faced about and blessed gravely thrice the tower, the surrounding land and the awaking mountains. Then, catching sight of Stephen Dedalus, he bent towards him and made rapid crosses in the air, gurgling in his throat and shaking his head. Stephen Dedalus, displeased and sleepy, leaned his arms on the top of the staircase and looked coldly at the shaking gurgling face that blessed him, equine in its length, and at the light untonsured hair, grained and hued like pale oak.””

James Joyce

About This Quote

Source Novel: A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, 1916

A ritualistic blessing reflects inner turmoil and artistic awakening amidst a chaotic world.

In simple terms: Blessing shows inner conflict and growth.

Key Takeaway

Embrace personal transformation.

Themes

spirituality art inner conflict awakening

Mood

introspective poetic

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • artistic creation
  • personal reflection
  • ritual practice
  • mental health counseling

Key Concepts

symbolism ritual identity formation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does ritual shape your identity?
  • What does the blessing signify in your life?
A Different Perspective

The cryptic scene may alienate readers unfamiliar with symbolism.

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