Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man Lesson Plan

How does a young Stephen demonstrate strength in Chapter 1?

Ask students why Stephen might be an easy target for the other boys and adults: he is small in stature, athletically incompetent, and very sensitive. However, even as a child we see the seeds of what will become Stephen's formidable personality. When pushed into the cesspool by Wells, he does not complain, and he remembers his father's warning to never tattle on anyone. Ultimately, not telling on Wells increases Stephen's stature with the other boys.

Stephen also shows the strength and determination to go to the rector and complain of Father Dolan's unfair treatment. His resolve flails a bit, but he ultimately...