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Simile
Explanation and Analysis—Stephen's Mind:
Joyce often uses colorful similes to describe Stephen's thought processes. In Chapter 3, Part 2, Stephen's mind becomes a flame-filled "tenement":
His [Stephen's] brain was simmering and bubbling within the cracking tenement of the skull. Flames burst forth from his skull like a corolla, shrieking like voices.
Stephen's thoughts take on a "simmering" and "bubbling" quality as flames burst (metaphorically) from his skull. The "crackling tenement" is a metaphor for Stephen's skull, which seems unable to hold his brain—thus implying that his thoughts are too intense for him to fully contain. This device also recalls Father Arnall's lectures about death, judgment, hell, and heaven. Stephen feels immense guilt about his lustful thoughts, so it makes sense that he would think of his own brain as a fiery, lustful entity.
In Chapter 3, Part 2, Stephen also finds solace in the thought of confession:
The thought slid like a cold shining rapier into his tender flesh: confession. But not there in the chapel of the college.
These two moments of simile and metaphor create a contrast between hot and cold thoughts—initially, his brain simmers and bubbles; eventually, though, a clear thought slides through his brain "like a cold shining rapier." Heat represents sin and uncertainty; sometimes Stephen's brain becomes a crucible of change. Cold signifies clarity and order, hence the "shining rapier" of thought that cuts through his bubbling brain.
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