A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man: Chapter 4, Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Stephen now orders his life according to a strict regimen of prayer – a holy person or idea for every day of the week. Every day is also divided into different sorts of prayers and devotions. He feels himself growing closer to god, and he thinks of all his prayers as a growing sum of money in a divine account.

Stephen carries many rosaries in his pockets, and they seem to him to have no name, color, or smell. He prays for redemption constantly. He prefers to think of the imagery associated with god, like wind and birds, because the plain fact of god’s love is difficult for him to comprehend. Similarly, it is difficult for him to relate to the love and hate described “solemnly” in sermons and plays.

The entire world has come to seem to Stephen like an expression of god’s love, and reality seems to disappear behind this vision. To keep himself grounded, he tries to discipline each of his five senses; he looks at the ground when he walks, he endures unpleasant noises and smells (especially the smell of fish), he fasts often, and he places himself in uncomfortable or painful positions. At first he is not tempted to sin lustfully, but he finds it difficult to control minor angers and irritations. Slowly, prayer ceases to be a comfort. He is tempted to sin once again, but holds himself back. He begins to feel guilty almost constantly, and wonders whether his virtuous way of life has succeeded in bettering his soul.