Just finished the fourth chapter. Nothing much happens in this chapter except Stephen spurns the church and seems to recognizing his calling as an artist. I think this chapter is pretty much a set up for the finale.

I think I hate this chapter. I say I think because I'm not really sure I understand it or why it goes on for more than a few pages. Up to this point I have enjoyed the writing style and the story. If I wasn't so determined read to the end I would have given up in this chapter.

I love your new avatar, Saffron.

Thanks, those were my Mother's Day flowers, grown on the farm that my daughter had been working on.

I had a hard time with the last couple of chapters too. Usually I look forward to reading a book, but I typically don't look forward to reading this one. Although there are some really amazing sections. And Joyce does take you into the very mind of the character to startling degree.

Just as Ch. 3 takes you through a terrifying torturous description of hell, Ch. 4 begins with a dry, formal tone here as Dedalus considers the monotonous, sterile life of a monk, but you'll find the language gradually becomes much more intellectual in tone as Stephen goes to university and begins to develop his philosophy of aesthetics. Joyce is a maniac.

Keep at it, Saffron. I think all of us will be glad we took the journey. I'm actually contemplating Ulysses, though I doubt Joyce will ever be described as an accessible author.

I have to say that although our discussion is rather sparse, I do really appreciate these comments. It's very cool to have cmiller and flann along for this ride. But where's DWill? He is missed.

Well,I have to agree with all posts on this chapter.Like Stephen in his ascetic phase, I plodded dutifully on even through his, to me,obscure explanations of his aesthetics and art.Inevitably he baulks at the life sentence of priesthood .He rejects political nationalism too,soured by his view of Ireland as the sow who eats her farrow ala Parnell .He seems to contrast the cloistered artificiality of priesthood with the natural experience of the sea and earth and the young girl he admires there.He is confident and casual at college and something of an intellectual prodigy there.As a read it was a mixed bag and the aesthetics a bit beyond me.Thanks to C Miller,Suzanne, Geo,Saffron and others for their thoughts and views on this book.

An afterthought .I thought the scene where he arrives home to a wretched supper, quite touching .Aterwards he and his brothers and sisters sing together for hours on end.There is something transcendent about that,I think.Joyce was very musical and a very good singer I understand.

thanks