In James Joyce's "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man," the character reflects on the nature of the soul's emergence. He describes this process as mysterious and gradual, contrasting it with the physical birth of a person. The soul's birth involves challenges and obstacles that hinder its freedom and development.
The speaker highlights how societal constructs such as nationality, language, and religion serve as constraints that prevent individuals from realizing their potential. Despite these limitations, he expresses a determination to transcend these barriers and embrace his true essence.