James Joyce · English Literature

In 'A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man', Stephen Dedalus defines the 'epiphany' as:

  1. A religious conversion triggered by intense guilt during a Catholic retreat
  2. A sudden revelation of meaning in a vulgar object or memorable phrase
  3. The decisive moment when Stephen resolves to leave Ireland permanently
  4. A literary device used to conclude a story with a clear moral lesson for the reader
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Correct answer: A sudden revelation of meaning in a vulgar object or memorable phrase

For Joyce, an epiphany is a moment of sudden revelation where the 'soul' of an object or experience shines through. These moments serve as structural pillars in his narratives, marking shifts in a character's consciousness and deepening their self-understanding.

Difficulty: Medium Question 2 of 20

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