Originally published in serial format, "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man," is the semi-autobiographical portrayal of James Joyce"s early upbringing as an Irish Catholic in late 19th century and early 20th century Dublin. At the center of the novel is the protagonist Stephen Dedalus whose life is depicted from its various stages starting in childhood and moving through early adulthood. The language of the novel changes throughout the book to correspond with the artistic development of Stephen Dedalus as he ages and matures. "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" is a masterful depiction of the process of self-discovery that is indicative of the early stages of everyone"s life.