Flight Motif in Portrait

One of the recurring motifs throughout the novel is that of flight, representing Steven's possible flight from Ireland, but also his flight from a young boy into a mature young adult. From the beginning of the novel Joyce gives us reference to the flight motif. Steven's last name is Dedalus. This comes from the Greek mythology and the story of Dedalus and his son Icarus, who attempt to escape from their prison after constructing two pairs of wings. Because made of wax the wings are vulnerable to the sun and Icarus, in a moment of overconfidence, flies too close and plummets to his death. Dedalus, however, survives. Although Steven's last name is Dedalus we cannot assume that he is the representation of the triumphant Dedalus from the myth wholly. Steven is also the son of his father, whose last name is also Dedalus. Therefore Steven comes to represent both Icarus and Dedalus in a sense. Icarus, because Steven must not become too overconfident in his own abilities, and Dedalus because he eventually survives the journey into manhood. Although birds and the idea of flight is mentioned throughout the work it especially comes into full light in Section V of the novel. Steven's most mature state. In section five Steven sits on the steps of the library looking up at the birds signifying his own willingness and readiness to leave Ireland. Steven finds comfort in the "inhuman clamor" of the birds cries, however he does have a moment of hesitation when realizing his own desire to fly away. "A sense of fear of the unknown moved into the heart of his weariness, a fear of symbols and portents, or the hawk like man whose name he bore..."(244). Although Steven goes through a moment of doubt and consideration he once again becomes transfixed on the birds flying over him. This signifies that Steven is mature enough to consider the possibilities of flight and is ready to embark on his journey.

Aside from flight representing Steven's possible leaving Ireland as well as his journey from a boy to a man, flight can also come to represent Steven's transition from a boy who was fascinated with words into a artist who embraced them. The events in Section five prove that Steven is now fully formed artist ready to take flight.