Sexuality is primarily presented as both CIS/straight desire and as deeply conflicted.
Once the teenaged Stephen Dedalus begins to experience sexual arousal, he can barely stop
thinking about his desires for women. At the same time, as he thinks ahead to his future career
or vocation, he is contemplating becoming a Catholic priest. He understands this commitment as
being fundamentally at odds with his heterosexual desires, which causes him considerable
internal conflict.
The author also presents a conflict between the romantic
or idealistic side of Stephen's attractions for women within his normal social circle and his
initial forays into sexual activity. Stephen understands the girls he knows as being
unapproachable: he would be rejected, probably condemned, and possibly reported to adults if he
made sexual advances to them. Stephen's desires are also presented as insatiable; in addition to
masturbating, he begins to visit prostitutes to find sexual release.
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