James Joyce: Symbols of Religion in his short story ArabyNear the dawn of the twentieth century appeared an author named James Joyce. Joyce introduced the idea that language can be manipulated and transformed into a new, original meaning. "Some critics considered the work a masterpiece, although many readers found it incomprehensible" (The Literature 1). Joyce's stories were not welcomed with open, inviting arms; instead they were not wanted by publishers and his books were immensely misunderstood by the majority who looked at them. “Ulysses was banned from the United States as obscene for 15 years, and was seized by U.S. postal authorities in 1918 and 1930” (Ockerbloom 1). “He has no concept of the word obedience and bows the knee neither before God nor before man” (Collins 1). James Joyce described his rebellious view of the Catholic Church in his writings, particularly in the short story “Araby.” Joyce through his writings showed derision and a clear rebellion against the church and its beliefs. But surprisingly, Joyce was introduced to the ideas of religion at an early age. At the age of six he began his religious enlightenment while attending Clongowes Wood College which emphasized Jesuit beliefs. During this period of Joyce's life he was targeted by the other students attending this college. In one incident “A boy had grabbed his glasses and stood on them, but a priest believed Joyce had done it himself to avoid class and gave him a 'pandying'” (O'Brien 1). Events like this were probably fuel to the fire of his antipathy towards religion. “He called the Jesuits in his adult life a 'heartless order bearing the name of Jesus as an antiphrase'” (O'Brien 1). Later, around the age of eleven, he moved to Belvedere College in Dublin. (Ebook 1) After graduating from Dublin, he determined he knew an adequate amount of the Jesuit religion, but officially rejected it (Grey 1). “After some religious experiences he lost faith, then patriotism, and ridiculed those with whom he formerly worshiped, and despised his country and its aspirations” (Collins 1). “Joyce was a humanist. A Renaissance man. Man is the center. God is in man. Anyone who looks away is just an ignorant sheep” (Sheila 1). Joyce's aversion towards religion was clearly demonstrated in his short story “Araby”. While Araby is obviously the story of a teenager's infatuation with a friend's sister; a deeper look may reveal a dark theme.