Tone of “A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man”

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Look at the temperature of the narrative by analyzing its tone. Can you clarify me the tone of “A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man” that is it playful, hopeful, cynical or snarky? I am confused.

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Joyce has used consistently lyrical and poetic tone throughout in this novel. His highly exuberant prose makes this narrative a joy to read, honestly , even if someone is not into poetry, it would not easy for him to ignore its incredible craftsmanship. Joyce definitely knew his talents, so you have to believe that he plays them up in this novel. It is serious for most part, nevertheless you would find some moments of fun. He does not use a powerfully opinionated narrative voice to judge or interfere Stephen, though at times narration acts as showing sympathy and support with him. What Joyce does here masterfully is allow the readers to find irony lying beneath its surface.Thus, this novel has lyrical and quite serious; but occasionally ironic tone.