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Stephen Dedalus and the Beast Motif in Joyce's Ulysses

This study is an examination of the beast motif associated with Stephen Dedalus in Joyce's Ulysses. The motif has its origins in Joyce's earlier novel, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. In Ulysses the beast motif is related to Stephen's feelings of guilt and remorse over his mother's death and includes characterizations of Stephen as a fox, a dog, a rat, and a vampire. The motif consistently carries a negative connotation. Several literary sources for the imagery of the beast motif are apparent in Ulysses, including two plays by John Webster, a poem by Matthew Prior, medieval bestiaries, and a traditional Irish folk riddle. The study of the continuity of the beast motif in Ulysses helps to explain the complex characterization of Stephen Dedalus.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:unt.edu/info:ark/67531/metadc504088
Date12 1900
CreatorsTappan, Dorothy C. (Dorothy Cannon)
ContributorsLinebarger, J. M. (James Morris), 1934-, Wright, Eugene Patrick, 1936-, Mitchell, Giles R.
PublisherNorth Texas State University
Source SetsUniversity of North Texas
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis or Dissertation
Format71 leaves, Text
RightsPublic, Tappan, Dorothy C. (Dorothy Cannon), Copyright, Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.

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