Aesthetic Theory
Introduction : The term 'Aesthetic' is related to art and beauty, very sensitive in the field of art. Aesthetic is based on a very good taste and an elegant style adopted by a person or group of persons in a society or in the cultural field. In Joyce's novel "A portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" we come across some great aesthetic temperament and growth of an artist. The aesthetic enquiries in the mind of the protagonist Stephen have taken the form of theory which is known as the Aesthetic Theory of Stephen. The fifth and the final chapter of the novel is devoted to the formation of aesthetic theory of Stephen.This theory is disclosed by Stephen to his friend Lynch.
Pity and Fear/Terror : Aristotle has introduced the terms 'pity' and 'fear' in structure of a tragedy but these terms are left undefined by Aristotle. Stephen tries hands to define the terms'pity' and 'fear' and begins his aesthetic theory.He says that 'pity' is something that unites one's mind with the sufferers and ' fear' unites it with secret cause. Both the 'pity' and 'fear' (terror) arrest the mind. Both of these are the phases of the 'tragic emotion'.
What is art ? : Art is the expression of human creative skill,the manifestation of creative activity. Art, according to Stephen , may be proper or improper. The art which excites desire or loathing are improper art. The feelings excited by improper art are kinetic. For example, the porno-graphical art excites desire and didactic art excites loathing, so both are improper art.Proper art is just the opposite. Feeling aroused by proper art is static. We know, the mind with aesthetic emotion is raised above desire and loathing and in that state mind becomes static. Aesthetic art which is non-kinetic and non-physical is proper art.
Defination of Beauty : Stephen explains that a thing is called beautiful when its perception pleases a mind. To him good is that towards which the appetite inclines. Following the line of Aquinas Stephen mentions three qualities of universal beauty : 'Integritas' or wholeness, 'Consonantia' or harmony and 'Claritas' or radiance. 'Integritas' means apprehending something as one and as complete. 'Consonantia' means apprehending something as a thing that is complex, multiple, separable and made up of its parts. 'Claritas' deals with the whatness of something. This noble quality is experienced by the artist when the aesthetic image is first formulated in his imagination. Stephen says, if any aesthetic work contains integritas, consonantia and claritas, it will appeal to every normal reader as being beautiful.
Mode of communication : In aesthetic theory Stephen has said about the mode of communication. The image of beauty in the mind of an artist can be expressed in three forms : lyrical, epical and dramatic. The artist chooses the form 'lyrical' which is the "simplest verbal venture of an instant of emotion". As it is the projection of the artist himself, his views or his experiences, it is evidently subjective. The epical form emerges out to the lyrical. In it the artist presents an image "in immediate relation to himself and to others". It is not subjective like lyrical art. In the dramatic form the image is presented in close relation to others. The personality of artist remains invisible. it is totally impersonal or objective.
Conclusion : Stephen concluded his aesthetic theory by emphasizing the artist's objectivity. The personality of the artist, he said, should refine itself out of existence, should impersonalize itself. The artist is " like the God of creation and remains within or behind or beyond or above his art" ; he remains invisible.
Epiphany
Epiphany means 'manifestation'. Epiphany is a religious term which refers to the Magi who came to see the "babe in manger, but they saw more than the baby, the son of God, Jesus Christ. In "A portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" of James Joyce Epiphany signifies the moment when a man experiences a sudden spiritual manifestation. Epiphany means the revelation of divinity to mortal beings.
The spiritual development of Stephen is presented through epiphany in "A portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" of James Joyce. At the end of each chapter we witness the manifestation. For example we may cite Stephen's vision of " the hawk like man flying
sunward above the sea"
