The "birdgirl" is one of the most powerful symbols in James Joyce's A Portrait of the artist as a Young Man because she serves as an epiphany to Steven. Upon gazing at the beauty of this young girl a sudden and undeniable change comes over him. Before he sees her he is still debating whether or not to become a priest. His soul is in turmoil and he has conflicted thoughts and emotions about his purpose in life.

The "birdgirl" is important because she becomes to Steven a muse which empowers him to become an artist. When he glimpses her there in the water, he has a sudden moment of clarity about who he is and what he should become. Steven is forever changed by this revelation because it gives him the vision and strength to become an artist.

Steven sees the girl as...