To like or not to like?

When Stephen Dedalus was a young, innocent boy, I liked his character. He was naive and socially awkward, but I thought it was kind of cute. Now that we're nearing the end of the novel, he doesn't seem so cute. He's exceedingly arrogant and yet I feel a connection to him.

Some aspects of his personality could be explained through hardships when he was younger, though his childhood was by no means difficult. His family lost a lot of wealth and social standing, but he still had a roof to sleep under and food to eat. What he hasn't had is friends -- true friends -- who he can trust with anything. He's lonely. An outsider.

I think the idea of being an outsider is something a lot of people can relate to. There's always some situation where even the most confident, friendly, and popular person will feel as though they don't belong. Unfamiliar situations, especially those where the other people are all well acquainted with each other, can really make a person feel uncomfortable.

When Stephen felt left out of the group, even when it was by choice, I understood what he was feeling. I generally don't perceive myself to be an outsider, but I have been in several situations where I've felt like the odd one out.

There were definitely several moments throughout the book where I've felt a connection to Stephen Dedalus. There were also countless times where I was completely disgusted by him. He's selfish, arrogant, and lacks self control.

My opinions on Stephen are constantly fluctuating, changing multiple times a chapter. I can't decide whether or not I like him. He's an intriguing character; as despicable as he is relatable. 

To come of age

I think coming of age means becoming mature and able to interact as an adult in society. It's a gradual process; you don't become an adult overnight. One day, you may come to the realization that you are now an adult, but it is the product of years of development and may come earlier for some than for others.

In American culture, we tend to measure coming of age by a person's literal age. 16, 18, 21, they're all considered milestone ages in a young person's life. At 16 you can drive. I'm 16 and I don't have my license. I also don't think I've come of age, though I don't think that getting my driver's license will suddenly turn me into an adult. At age 18, you become a legal adult, but that doesn't necessarily mean you're mature. Even by 21, a person may still rely on their parents for support and guidance.

Education is another way we often attempt to measure maturity. Graduating from high school can mean moving on in life, as can graduating from college. Though these are pivotal moments in one's life, I believe that they can happen without a person having come of age.

I don't think maturity is dependent on age. A person's life experiences shape the mind and affect the way that person thinks. A person who has gone through many trials and hardships will mature much faster than someone of the same age who has led a fairly easy life, because hardship forces people to face the "real world." 

Gaining experience in various worldly matters is how a person comes of age, and you never stop gaining experience, so I think coming of age is a never-ending process.