Understanding the Rhythm and Sound in 'A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man'

The question of the rhythm and meter in James Joyce's A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man is both intriguing and complex. While the work is typically classified as a novel, it often evokes a poetic quality that blurs the boundaries between prose and poetry. This essay explores how the rhythm of the novel is not dictated by metrical patterns but rather by the deliberate use of sound and syntax within the prose.

The Role of Repetition in Creating Sound Patterns

James Joyce's A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man places a significant emphasis on repetition as a means to create sound patterns within its prose. This technique is particularly prominent during Stephen Dedalus's development as a character, as he transitions from a recipient to a creator of language. The author utilizes repetition not just of words but also of syntactical structures to convey meaning and evoke a sense of rhythm.

Example of Repetitive Syntax

In a scene that vividly depicts a flock of birds above a street, Joyce demonstrates how repetition can be used to enhance the rhythm and sound of the text:

"He listened to the cries: like the squeak of mice behind wainscot: a shrill twofold note. But the notes were long and shrill and whirring, unlike the cry of vermin falling a third or a fourth and trilled as the flying beaks clove the air. Their cry was shrill and clear and fine and falling like threads of silken light unwound from whirring pools."

Breaking down this passage, we can see several examples of repetitive syntax:

Repetitive Syntax

The phrase "sharill" is used multiple times to emphasize the high-pitched quality of the bird's cry. The use of polysyndeton (the piling up of conjunctions) links the different descriptions, creating a seamless flow of thought. The words "cry" and "notes" are repeated, reinforcing the auditory focus of the scene.

Metaphorical Echoes and Repeated Sounds

According to Joe Moran, in his book First You Write a Sentence, the text's readers can benefit from more repetition in both words and syntax. These echoes enhance the meaning of the sentences, as they create a sense of unity and coherence across the passage.

In the passage, the silken light and whirring pools are used to metaphorically describe the birds' flight. The repeated use of the double l and r sounds in words such as "squeak," "shrill," and "clear" contributes to the auditory experience of the scene, making the reader almost hear the birds as they are described.

As Stephen Dedalus transitions from a passive recipient of language to an active creator, the passage reflects this transformation. The attention to sound and the use of repetition suggest that Joyce is fine-tuning the language to convey the truth and nuance of the experience.

Conclusion

While A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man does not follow a strict metrical pattern, it does pay close attention to the sound of the prose. Through the deliberate use of syntax and repetition, Joyce creates a rich and layered rhythm that enhances the reader's experience. The techniques of repetitive syntax and sound patterns are not limited to this particular scene but are evident throughout the novel.

To summarize, the rhythm of A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man is not defined by a particular meter but rather by an attention to sound and the meticulous use of repetition. These elements work together to create a poetic quality in the prose, enhancing the reader's engagement with the narrative.

A Note from the Author

While I have provided my insights on the rhythm and sound in A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, I am not an expert on James Joyce. This essay is the result of personal reflection and is intended to stimulate further discussion and interpretation.