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James Joyce “Araby” and “Eveline”
James Joyce
“Araby” and “Eveline”
1882-1941 Born in Dublin,
Ireland Writer of great
importance First major work is
Dubliners
James Joyce
James Joyce
Published in 1914 Collection of short
stories about life in Dublin
Includes “Araby” and “Eveline”
James Joyce
Major Themes Paralysis Isolation Poverty Longing for Escape Religion Epiphany
1. How would you describe the narrator as a character? What word or words describe him well? Why?
from Tracy:He is at an age of transition into adulthood based on what he is experiencing. He experiences feelings of infatuation making him confused because he does not know how to handle what he is feeling.
“Araby”
1. How would you describe the narrator as a character? What word or words describe him well? Why?
from BanaramaThe narrator is shy as he sees the girl every day, but doesn’t talk to her. The narrator is also sensitive as he describes very poetically how the girl makes him emotional to the point of having the narrator in tears. .
“Araby”
1. How would you describe the narrator as a character? What word or words describe him well? Why?
from Working AloneSomewhat obsessive, and confused. Why? Because in the beginning it’s stated that “Every morning I lay on the floor in the front parlour watching her door.” And goes on to say how he rushes outside to follow behind her to pass her by before they part ways. He doesn’t really understand why he’s feeling what he’s feeling for this woman.
“Araby”
2. How would you describe the setting, or the environment, of the story? What does this setting contribute to the story?
from TracyThe setting seems depressing from the short days of winter and the location of the homes on the blind street that are dreary. This contributes to the story because it brings to life the imagination of a young boy who is experiencing a new found feeling of adulthood.
“Araby”
2. How would you describe the setting, or the environment, of the story? What does this setting contribute to the story?
from TeamIt is set in a very religious community. He feels he should not think of the girl so much due to his religious beliefs.
“Araby”
3. Identify at least one thing in the story that you think might be symbolic, that is, something that seems to have more meaning than what it literally is. What might this symbolism contribute to the story?
from Santa’s ElvesThe darkness. The darkness is all around the narrator in the story. He can never seem to have a happy day. All of his life is just sadness and anger.
“Araby”
3. Identify at least one thing in the story that you think might be symbolic, that is, something that seems to have more meaning than what it literally is. What might this symbolism contribute to the story?
from Banarama and a team with no nameThe bazaar might symbolize an opportunity for the narrator to show his affection towards the girl. (Banarama)
“Araby”
“Araby”
“’If I go,’ I said, ‘I will bring you something.’”
5. Finish the sentence below to express what you think is a good one-sentence summary of the main theme (or the comment about life) that we should get from the story “Araby.”
James Joyce’s “Araby” shows us how people …
“Araby”
6. If you write an essay on this story, what would be three or four good topics for the body paragraphs of the essay?
“Araby”
Look Carefully at the Details!
“North Richmond Street, being blind, was a quiet street except at the hour when the Christian Brothers’ School set the boys free.”
“Araby”
What passages did you identify as being important?
“Araby”
“These noises converged in a single sensation of life for me: I imagined that I bore my chalice safely through a throng of foes. Her name sprang to my lips at moments in strange prayers and praises which I myself did not understand. My eyes were often full of tears (I could not tell why) and at times a flood from my heart seemed to pour itself out into my bosom. I thought little of the future. I did not know whether I would ever speak to her or not or, if I spoke to her, how I could tell her of my confused adoration. But my body was like a harp and her words and gestures were like fingers running upon the wires.”
“Araby”
“Gazing up into the darkness I saw myself as a creature driven and derided by vanity; and my eyes burned with anguish and anger.”
“Araby”
Questions?
“Araby”
“Eveline”
“She sat at the window watching the evening invade the avenue.”
1. How would you describe Eveline as a character? What word or words describe her well? Why?
from I Don’t KnowEveline seems to be shy and [quiet]. Very alone, because everyone has left her, her mother, her friends, her brothers and the love and kindness that her father had for her.
“Eveline”
1. How would you describe Eveline as a character? What word or words describe her well? Why?
from AwesomeEvelyn is conflicted, indecisive, and anxious. She is also thoughtful because even though she is abused by her father, she still does not want to desert him. Her anxiety and indecisiveness is demonstrated by her torn affections between her familiar life and the chance of beginning a new one.
“Eveline”
2. How would you describe the setting, or the environment, of the story? What does this setting contribute to the story?
from a team with no nameIt was late evening and Eveline was leaning against the window looking out to where she grew up. Going through flashbacks of her childhood and how much her life was going to change once she left.
“Eveline”
2. How would you describe the setting, or the environment, of the story? What does this setting contribute to the story?
from One Woman ShowThe setting of the story begins in Eveline’s home, but specifically a window. She is looking out the window to the outside world of people passing below. The room and objects in it are covered in dust, along with a yellowing photograph hung on the wall of a priest of whom she does not know. The setting sets a feeling of abandonment. Perhaps she had given up on cleaning the house because her father is older and incapable.
“Eveline”
3. Identify at least one thing in the story that you think might be symbolic, that is, something that seems to have more meaning than what it literally is. What might this symbolism contribute to the story?
from M.F.B.S. and othersWhen Eveline is thinking about the field that she and the other town kids played in, when it was turned to cold brick buildings she and her brothers lost a place to get away from their abusive father, and now that it is no longer an empty field to play in she no longer feels like she belongs.
“Eveline”
3. Identify at least one thing in the story that you think might be symbolic, that is, something that seems to have more meaning than what it literally is. What might this symbolism contribute to the story?
from Team AmericaDust is symbolic of the past. This contributes the idea of the stagnation of Eveline’s life to the story.
“Eveline”
3. Identify at least one thing in the story that you think might be symbolic, that is, something that seems to have more meaning than what it literally is. What might this symbolism contribute to the story?
from a team with no name and othersI think this Frank character could be considered a symbol. He is Eveline’s freedom, her chance to start her own new, wonderful life. He is her escape from her abusive father and the dead spirits of her family that linger still. He could be everything she ever wanted.
“Eveline”
5. Finish the sentence below to express what you think is a good one-sentence summary of the main theme (or the comment about life) that we should get from the story “Eveline.”
James Joyce’s “Eveline” shows us how people …
“Eveline”
6. If you write an essay on this story, what would be three or four good topics for the body paragraphs of the essay?
“Eveline”
Look Carefully at the Details!
“She sat at the window watching the evening invade the avenue. Her head was leaned against the window curtains and in her nostrils was the odour of dusty cretonne. She was tired.”
“Eveline”
Look Carefully at the Details!
“She felt her cheek pale and cold and, out of a maze of distress, she prayed to God to direct her, to show her what was her duty.”
“Eveline”
What passages did you identify as being important?
“Eveline”
“She stood up in a sudden impulse of terror. Escape! She must escape! Frank would save her. He would give her life, perhaps love, too. But she wanted to live. Why should she be unhappy? She had a right to happiness. Frank would take her in his arms, fold her in his arms. He would save her.”
“Eveline”
“Her time was running out but she continued to sit by the window, leaning her head against the window curtain, inhaling the odour of dusty cretonne.”
“Eveline”
“He rushed beyond the barrier and called to her to follow. He was shouted at to go on but he still called to her. She set her white face to him, passive, like a helpless animal. Her eyes gave him no sign of love or farewell or recognition.”
“Eveline”
Questions?
“Eveline”
