The DeadThe Dead

From Dubliners by James From Dubliners by James JoyceJoyce

James Augustine Aloysius Joyce was born in James Augustine Aloysius Joyce was born in a Dublin suburb. He was the eldest of ten a Dublin suburb. He was the eldest of ten children, and his family was poor and children, and his family was poor and Roman Catholic. As a youth, Joyce was Roman Catholic. As a youth, Joyce was educated at Roman Catholic lower schools educated at Roman Catholic lower schools and at home. He earned a degree in Latin and at home. He earned a degree in Latin from University College, Dublin in 1902. from University College, Dublin in 1902. While he was at University College, Joyce While he was at University College, Joyce renounced the Roman Catholic faith. In renounced the Roman Catholic faith. In 1904 he and his companion, Nora Barnacle, 1904 he and his companion, Nora Barnacle, left Ireland for good. They lived in Trieste, left Ireland for good. They lived in Trieste, Italy; Paris, France; and Zürich, Switzerland. Italy; Paris, France; and Zürich, Switzerland. They had two children but did not marry They had two children but did not marry until 1932. until 1932.

To support the family, Joyce worked as To support the family, Joyce worked as a language instructor and received writia language instructor and received writing grants from patrons, but the family wng grants from patrons, but the family was never comfortable financially. During as never comfortable financially. During much of his adult life Joyce suffered fromuch of his adult life Joyce suffered from a series of severe eye troubles that evm a series of severe eye troubles that eventually led to near blindness. He died ientually led to near blindness. He died in 1941, shortly after the outbreak of Worn 1941, shortly after the outbreak of World War II (1939-1945).ld War II (1939-1945).

James Joyce James Joyce Irish novelist and poet Irish novelist and poet Birth February 2, 1882 Birth February 2, 1882 Death January 13, 1941 Death January 13, 1941 Place of Birth Dublin, Ireland Place of Birth Dublin, Ireland Principal Residence Paris, France Principal Residence Paris, France Known for Pioneering new narrative techniques, espeKnown for Pioneering new narrative techniques, espe

cially stream-of-consciousness, and experimenting wicially stream-of-consciousness, and experimenting with the uses of language th the uses of language

Milestones 1900 Published, at age 18, a review of IbseMilestones 1900 Published, at age 18, a review of Ibsen's When We Dead Awaken in the London Fortnightly n's When We Dead Awaken in the London Fortnightly Review, which led to correspondence with Ibsen Review, which led to correspondence with Ibsen

1902 Graduated from University College in Dublin and made the first 1902 Graduated from University College in Dublin and made the first of several stays in Paris of several stays in Paris

1903 Returned to Dublin to visit his dying mother and met his future 1903 Returned to Dublin to visit his dying mother and met his future wife, Nora Barnacle wife, Nora Barnacle

1904 Left Dublin with Nora to live abroad for the rest of his life, 1904 Left Dublin with Nora to live abroad for the rest of his life, returning to Ireland for only a few brief periods returning to Ireland for only a few brief periods

1907 Published his first book, Chamber Music, a collection of 36 1907 Published his first book, Chamber Music, a collection of 36 poems poems

1914 Published Dubliners after about eight years of battling with 1914 Published Dubliners after about eight years of battling with censorious publishers censorious publishers

1916 Published A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, a 1916 Published A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, a semiautobiographical work which makes use of the stream-of-semiautobiographical work which makes use of the stream-of-consciousness narrative style consciousness narrative style

1922 Published Ulysses, a novel whose story of a day in the life of 1922 Published Ulysses, a novel whose story of a day in the life of Leopold Bloom elevated its author to international renown Leopold Bloom elevated its author to international renown

1939 Published his last novel, Finnegan's Wake, a novel whose 1939 Published his last novel, Finnegan's Wake, a novel whose lackluster reception in the literary world left Joyce deeply lackluster reception in the literary world left Joyce deeply disappointed disappointed

1940 Moved from Paris to Zurich, where he spent the remainder of 1940 Moved from Paris to Zurich, where he spent the remainder of his life his life

Did You Know Due to his professed antireligious princiDid You Know Due to his professed antireligious principles, Joyce refused to marry Nora Barnacle until 1931 ples, Joyce refused to marry Nora Barnacle until 1931 even though they had been together since 1903 and heven though they had been together since 1903 and had several children. ad several children.

Joyce, who had financial problems most of his life, eaJoyce, who had financial problems most of his life, earned almost nothing from his writing until his last yearrned almost nothing from his writing until his last years. s.

Joyce suffered from a variety of eye problems for whiJoyce suffered from a variety of eye problems for which he underwent a total of 25 operations. He also expech he underwent a total of 25 operations. He also experienced periods of total blindness. rienced periods of total blindness.

Joyce and his family were supported in part by grants Joyce and his family were supported in part by grants obtained through the advocacy of W.B. Yeats and Ezra obtained through the advocacy of W.B. Yeats and Ezra Pound. Pound.

James Joyce 1882-1941James Joyce 1882-1941

A Portrait of the Artist as a Young ManA Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man DublinersDubliners Stephen HeroStephen Hero UlyssesUlysses Finnegan’s WakeFinnegan’s Wake The Day of the Rabblement (a paper)The Day of the Rabblement (a paper)

DublinersDubliners ““THE SISTERS”THE SISTERS” “AN ENCOUNTER”“AN ENCOUNTER” “ARABY”“ARABY” “EVELINE”“EVELINE” “AFTER THE RACE”“AFTER THE RACE” “TWO GALLANTS”“TWO GALLANTS” “THE BOARDING HOUSE”“THE BOARDING HOUSE” ““A LITTLE CLOUD” A LITTLE CLOUD” ““COUNTERPARTS” COUNTERPARTS” ““CLAY” CLAY” ““A PAINFUL CASE” A PAINFUL CASE” ““IVY DAY IN THE COMMITTEE ROOM” IVY DAY IN THE COMMITTEE ROOM” ““A MOTHER” A MOTHER” ““GRACE” GRACE” ““THE DEAD” THE DEAD”

Key FactsKey Facts

full titlefull title ·   ·  DublinersDubliners authorauthor ·  James Joyce ·  James Joyce type of worktype of work ·  Collection of short stories ·  Collection of short stories genregenre ·  Realist fiction; urban literature ·  Realist fiction; urban literature language language  ·  English (with some Irish and Hiberno-English  ·  English (with some Irish and Hiberno-English

sayings)sayings) time and place writtentime and place written ·  Early 1900s, Ireland and Italy ·  Early 1900s, Ireland and Italy date of first publicationdate of first publication ·  1914 ·  1914 publisherpublisher ·  Grant Richards ·  Grant Richards narratornarrator · The first three stories are narrated by the main  · The first three stories are narrated by the main

character of each story, which in all three cases is a young, character of each story, which in all three cases is a young, unnamed boy. The rest of the stories are narrated by an unnamed boy. The rest of the stories are narrated by an anonymous third person who pays close attention to anonymous third person who pays close attention to circumstantial detail though in a detached manner.circumstantial detail though in a detached manner.

point of viewpoint of view · The first three stories, told from the first  · The first three stories, told from the first person, focus on the thoughts and observations of the person, focus on the thoughts and observations of the narrators. In the stories told from the third person, the narrators. In the stories told from the third person, the narrators detail objective information and present narrators detail objective information and present characters as they would appear to an outsider, but also characters as they would appear to an outsider, but also present thoughts and actions from the protagonists’ points present thoughts and actions from the protagonists’ points of view, giving the reader a sense of what the characters of view, giving the reader a sense of what the characters are feeling. are feeling.

tonetone · Though told mainly by an anonymous narrator, the  · Though told mainly by an anonymous narrator, the stories of stories of DublinersDubliners form a self-conscious examination of form a self-conscious examination of Joyce’s native city in Ireland. Because the narrator Joyce’s native city in Ireland. Because the narrator maintains a neutral and distant presence, detecting Joyce’s maintains a neutral and distant presence, detecting Joyce’s attitude toward his characters is not always easy. The attitude toward his characters is not always easy. The abundance of details about the grim realities of the city and abundance of details about the grim realities of the city and the focus on hardships, however, create a tragic tone and the focus on hardships, however, create a tragic tone and offer a subtle critique. offer a subtle critique.

tensetense · Past tense · Past tense setting (time)setting (time) · Early 1900s · Early 1900s setting (place)setting (place) · Dublin · Dublin major conflictmajor conflict · Various figures struggle with the cha · Various figures struggle with the cha

llenges of complicated relationships and life in Dublin. llenges of complicated relationships and life in Dublin. themesthemes · The prison of routine; the desire for escape; · The prison of routine; the desire for escape;

the intersection of life and death the intersection of life and death motifsmotifs · Paralysis; epiphany; betrayal; religion · Paralysis; epiphany; betrayal; religion symbolssymbols · Windows; dusk and nighttime; food · Windows; dusk and nighttime; food foreshadowingforeshadowing · The death of Father Flynn in “The · The death of Father Flynn in “The

Sisters” announces the focus on death in later stories Sisters” announces the focus on death in later stories like “The Dead”; story titles hint at events in the storlike “The Dead”; story titles hint at events in the stories.ies.

CONTEXTCONTEXT PLOT OVERVIEWPLOT OVERVIEW CHARACTER LISTCHARACTER LIST ANALYSIS OF MAJOR CHARACTERSANALYSIS OF MAJOR CHARACTERS THEMES, MOTIFS, AND SYMBOLSTHEMES, MOTIFS, AND SYMBOLS IMPORTANT QUOTATIONS EXPLAINEDIMPORTANT QUOTATIONS EXPLAINED KEY FACTSKEY FACTS STUDY QUESTIONS & ESSAY TOPICSSTUDY QUESTIONS & ESSAY TOPICS QUIZQUIZ SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER READINGSUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER READING

contextcontext

Ireland in need of national Ireland in need of national revitalizationrevitalization

It has its accounts to settle with It has its accounts to settle with Britain: two massacresBritain: two massacres

Religious differences and conflictsReligious differences and conflicts

In 1641, however, native Irish Catholics rose In 1641, however, native Irish Catholics rose up against the Protestants. Some up against the Protestants. Some Protestants were massacred by Catholics, Protestants were massacred by Catholics, but many historians believe that the number but many historians believe that the number of victims was vastly exaggerated in the of victims was vastly exaggerated in the accounts that reached England. The 1641 accounts that reached England. The 1641 uprising became for Protestants a symbol of uprising became for Protestants a symbol of Catholic treachery, brutality, and intent to Catholic treachery, brutality, and intent to expel Protestants. In 1649 English forces expel Protestants. In 1649 English forces under the command of revolutionary leader under the command of revolutionary leader Oliver Cromwell brutally subjugated the Oliver Cromwell brutally subjugated the Catholic population. Catholic population.

Ireland played a key role in the English Revolution Ireland played a key role in the English Revolution of 1688, in which Protestant English forces rose of 1688, in which Protestant English forces rose up against Catholic English king James II. James II up against Catholic English king James II. James II fled to France and then Ireland to rally Catholic fled to France and then Ireland to rally Catholic support. In 1690 the forces of Protestant William support. In 1690 the forces of Protestant William of Orange (later William III), who had assumed of Orange (later William III), who had assumed the English throne, invaded Ireland and defeated the English throne, invaded Ireland and defeated James II at the Battle of the Boyne. English forces James II at the Battle of the Boyne. English forces subsequently repressed Irish Catholics harshly. subsequently repressed Irish Catholics harshly. These episodes created lasting and differing These episodes created lasting and differing impressions in the minds of Ulster’s Catholics and impressions in the minds of Ulster’s Catholics and Protestants. Catholics became convinced the Protestants. Catholics became convinced the Protestants were treacherous, brutal, and intent Protestants were treacherous, brutal, and intent on taking over Catholic land.on taking over Catholic land.

Ulster’s Protestants, on the other hand, saw Ulster’s Protestants, on the other hand, saw William of Orange’s victory at the Battle of William of Orange’s victory at the Battle of the Boyne as the foundation of a Protestant, the Boyne as the foundation of a Protestant, unionist state to last for all time in Ireland. unionist state to last for all time in Ireland. English Protestant rulers subsequently English Protestant rulers subsequently institutionalized Catholic subjugation in the institutionalized Catholic subjugation in the form of the Penal Laws of the early 1700s, form of the Penal Laws of the early 1700s, which placed certain restrictions on the which placed certain restrictions on the practice of Roman Catholicism, which were practice of Roman Catholicism, which were harsher in theory than in practice. harsher in theory than in practice.

Almost all residents of Northern Ireland speak Almost all residents of Northern Ireland speak English. Only a tiny percentage speak Irish, a GEnglish. Only a tiny percentage speak Irish, a Gaelic language, except in remote upland areas aelic language, except in remote upland areas in the Glens of Antrim, the Mourne Mountains, in the Glens of Antrim, the Mourne Mountains, and the Sperrin Mountains, where Irish is more and the Sperrin Mountains, where Irish is more widely spoken. The Catholic and nationalist cowidely spoken. The Catholic and nationalist community has tended to become more enthusimmunity has tended to become more enthusiastic about learning Irish as a second language astic about learning Irish as a second language during periods of heightened political activityduring periods of heightened political activity—for example, from 1900 to 1920 and from 19—for example, from 1900 to 1920 and from 1970 to the present day. 70 to the present day.

Recent government policies and the expRecent government policies and the expansion of university education have encansion of university education have encouraged mutual respect for the two cultouraged mutual respect for the two cultural traditions in the province. This has ural traditions in the province. This has boosted the current Irish language moveboosted the current Irish language movement, as well as the late-1990s rise in poment, as well as the late-1990s rise in popularity of Ulster-Scots, or Ullans, amonpularity of Ulster-Scots, or Ullans, among the Protestant community.g the Protestant community.

““The Dead”The Dead”synopsis/ plot overviewsynopsis/ plot overview

With his wife, Gretta, Gabriel Conroy attends tWith his wife, Gretta, Gabriel Conroy attends the annual dancing party hosted by his two agihe annual dancing party hosted by his two aging aunts, Julia and Kate Morkan, and their nieng aunts, Julia and Kate Morkan, and their niece, his cousin, Mary Jane. At the party, Gabriel ce, his cousin, Mary Jane. At the party, Gabriel experiences some experiences some uncomfortable confrontatiouncomfortable confrontationsns. He makes a personal comment to . He makes a personal comment to LilyLily, the , the housemaid, that provokes a sharp reply, and dhousemaid, that provokes a sharp reply, and during a dance he endures the taunts of his parturing a dance he endures the taunts of his partner, ner, Miss IvorsMiss Ivors. Finally, Gabriel sees . Finally, Gabriel sees GrettaGretta enr enraptured by a song sung toward the end of the aptured by a song sung toward the end of the party. Later, he learns that she was thinking of party. Later, he learns that she was thinking of a former lover who had died for her. He sadly ca former lover who had died for her. He sadly contemplates his life. ontemplates his life.

Concerning the speech and its Concerning the speech and its audience, they are not of his type, audience, they are not of his type, and he does not like the job.and he does not like the job.

The episodes increase in tension The episodes increase in tension and they are all centered around and they are all centered around

the dance partythe dance party

House maid (Lily)-House maid (Lily)- peer (Miss Ivors) -peer (Miss Ivors) - most beloved (his wifmost beloved (his wife Gretta) e Gretta)

Sharp reply -Sharp reply -taunt/ accusation taunt/ accusation heartbreak heartbreak

Discussion question Discussion question

What is the exposition?What is the exposition? Rising actionRising action ClimaxClimax DenouementDenouement

What is the major conflict?What is the major conflict?

Character listCharacter list

Gabriel ConroyGabriel Conroy Gretta ConroyGretta Conroy LilyLily Miss Molly IvorsMiss Molly Ivors Aunt Julia MorkanAunt Julia Morkan Aunt Kate MorkanAunt Kate Morkan Mary Jane MorkanMary Jane Morkan Mikael FureyMikael Furey

Gabriel ConroyGabriel Conroy - The protagonist from “The Dead.” - The protagonist from “The Dead.” A university-educated teacher and writer, Gabriel struA university-educated teacher and writer, Gabriel struggles with simple social situations and conversations, ggles with simple social situations and conversations, and straightforward questions catch him off guard. He and straightforward questions catch him off guard. He feels out of place due to his highbrow literary endeavofeels out of place due to his highbrow literary endeavors. His aunts, Julia and Kate Morkan, turn to him to pers. His aunts, Julia and Kate Morkan, turn to him to perform the traditionally male activities of carving the grform the traditionally male activities of carving the goose and delivering a speech at their annual celebratioose and delivering a speech at their annual celebration. Gabriel represents a force of control in the story, bon. Gabriel represents a force of control in the story, but his wife Gretta’s fond and sad recollections of a fout his wife Gretta’s fond and sad recollections of a former devoted lover make him realize he has little grasrmer devoted lover make him realize he has little grasp on his life and that his marriage lacks true love. p on his life and that his marriage lacks true love.

Gretta ConroyGretta Conroy - Gabriel’s wife in “The Dea - Gabriel’s wife in “The Dead.” Gretta plays a relatively minor role for mod.” Gretta plays a relatively minor role for most of the story, until the conclusion where she ist of the story, until the conclusion where she is the focus of Gabriel’s thoughts and actions. s the focus of Gabriel’s thoughts and actions. She appears mournful and distant when a speShe appears mournful and distant when a special song is sung at the party, and she later plucial song is sung at the party, and she later plunges into despair when she tells Gabriel the stnges into despair when she tells Gabriel the story of her childhood love, Michael Furey. Her pory of her childhood love, Michael Furey. Her pure intentions and loyalty to this boy unnerve ure intentions and loyalty to this boy unnerve Gabriel and generate his despairing thoughts aGabriel and generate his despairing thoughts about life and death.bout life and death.

LilyLily - The housemaid to the Morkan siste - The housemaid to the Morkan sisters who rebukes Gabriel in “The Dead.” rs who rebukes Gabriel in “The Dead.”

Molly IvorsMolly Ivors - The nationalist woman wh - The nationalist woman who teases Gabriel during a dance in “The o teases Gabriel during a dance in “The Dead.” Dead.”

Julia MorkanJulia Morkan - One of the aging sisters who th - One of the aging sisters who throw an annual dance party in “The Dead.” Jrow an annual dance party in “The Dead.” Julia has a grey and sullen appearance that coulia has a grey and sullen appearance that combines with her remote, wandering behavior tmbines with her remote, wandering behavior to make her a figure sapped of life.o make her a figure sapped of life.

Kate MorkanKate Morkan - One of the aging sisters who thr - One of the aging sisters who throw an annual dance party in “The Dead.” Kaow an annual dance party in “The Dead.” Kate is vivacious but constantly worries about hete is vivacious but constantly worries about her sister, Julia, and the happiness of the guests. r sister, Julia, and the happiness of the guests.

Michael FureyMichael Furey - Gretta Conroy’s childhood lo - Gretta Conroy’s childhood love in “The Dead” who died for her ve in “The Dead” who died for her

Analysis of Major CharactersAnalysis of Major CharactersGabriel Conroy, “The Dead”Gabriel Conroy, “The Dead”

Gabriel is the last protagonist of Gabriel is the last protagonist of DublinersDubliners, and he embodies many of the traits in, and he embodies many of the traits introduced and explored in characters from earlier stories, including short temper, troduced and explored in characters from earlier stories, including short temper, acute class consciousness, social awkwardness, and frustrated love. Gabriel has acute class consciousness, social awkwardness, and frustrated love. Gabriel has many faces. To his aging aunts, he is a loving family man, bringing his cheerful prmany faces. To his aging aunts, he is a loving family man, bringing his cheerful presence to the party and performing typically masculine duties such as carving the esence to the party and performing typically masculine duties such as carving the goose. With other female characters, such as Miss Ivors, Lily the housemaid, and hgoose. With other female characters, such as Miss Ivors, Lily the housemaid, and his wife, Gretta, he is less able to forge a connection, and his attempts often becomis wife, Gretta, he is less able to forge a connection, and his attempts often become awkward, and even offensive. With Miss Ivors, he stumbles defensively through e awkward, and even offensive. With Miss Ivors, he stumbles defensively through a conversation about his plans to go on a cycling tour, and he offends Lily when ha conversation about his plans to go on a cycling tour, and he offends Lily when he teases her about having a boyfriend. Gretta inspires fondness and tenderness in e teases her about having a boyfriend. Gretta inspires fondness and tenderness in him, but he primarily feels mastery over her. Such qualities do not make Gabriel shim, but he primarily feels mastery over her. Such qualities do not make Gabriel sympathetic, but rather make him an example of a man whose inner life struggles tympathetic, but rather make him an example of a man whose inner life struggles to keep pace with and adjust to the world around him. The Morkans’ party exposo keep pace with and adjust to the world around him. The Morkans’ party exposes Gabriel as a social performer. He carefully reviews his thoughts and words, and es Gabriel as a social performer. He carefully reviews his thoughts and words, and he flounders in situations where he cannot predict another person’s feelings. Gahe flounders in situations where he cannot predict another person’s feelings. Gabriel’s unease with unbridled feeling is palpable, but he must face his discomforbriel’s unease with unbridled feeling is palpable, but he must face his discomfort throughout the story. He illustrates the tense intersection of social isolation and t throughout the story. He illustrates the tense intersection of social isolation and personal confrontation. personal confrontation.

Gabriel has one moment of spontaneous, honest speech, rare in “The DGabriel has one moment of spontaneous, honest speech, rare in “The Dead” as well as in ead” as well as in Dubliners Dubliners as a whole. When he dances with Miss Ivors,as a whole. When he dances with Miss Ivors, she interrogates him about his plans to travel in countries other than Ire she interrogates him about his plans to travel in countries other than Ireland and asks him why he won’t stay in Ireland and learn more about hland and asks him why he won’t stay in Ireland and learn more about his own country. Instead of replying with niceties, Gabriel responds, “I’is own country. Instead of replying with niceties, Gabriel responds, “I’m sick of my own country, sick of it!” He is the sole character in m sick of my own country, sick of it!” He is the sole character in DublineDublinersrs to voice his unhappiness with life in Ireland. While each story implicitl to voice his unhappiness with life in Ireland. While each story implicitly or explicitly connects the characters’ hardships to Dublin, Gabriel proy or explicitly connects the characters’ hardships to Dublin, Gabriel pronounces his sentiment clearly and without remorse. This purgative exclanounces his sentiment clearly and without remorse. This purgative exclamation highlights the symbolism of Gabriel’s name, which he shares wimation highlights the symbolism of Gabriel’s name, which he shares with the angel who informed Mary that she would be the mother of Christ ith the angel who informed Mary that she would be the mother of Christ in biblical history. Gabriel delivers his own message not only to Miss Ivors n biblical history. Gabriel delivers his own message not only to Miss Ivors but also to himself and to the readers of “The Dead.” He is the unusual but also to himself and to the readers of “The Dead.” He is the unusual character in character in DublinersDubliners who dwells on his own revelation without suppre who dwells on his own revelation without suppressing or rejecting it, and who can place himself in a greater perspective. Issing or rejecting it, and who can place himself in a greater perspective. In the final scene of the story, when he intensely contemplates the meanin the final scene of the story, when he intensely contemplates the meaning of his life, Gabriel has a vision not only of his own tedious life but of hing of his life, Gabriel has a vision not only of his own tedious life but of his role as a human.s role as a human.

Characters can be classified into flat characterCharacters can be classified into flat characters and round characters. s and round characters.

Flat characters are stereotypical and do not chFlat characters are stereotypical and do not change as the plot develops; ange as the plot develops;

round characters are like real human beings, hround characters are like real human beings, have multi aspects, and usually change over timave multi aspects, and usually change over time. e.

In terms of roles played in the story, characterIn terms of roles played in the story, characters can be categorized into protagonist or hero os can be categorized into protagonist or hero or heroine and antagonist or villain or adversary r heroine and antagonist or villain or adversary forces, with minor ones. forces, with minor ones.

THEMES, MOTIFS, AND SYMBOLTHEMES, MOTIFS, AND SYMBOLSS

ThemesThemes The prison of routine: partiesThe prison of routine: parties The desire for escapeThe desire for escape The Intersection of Life and The Intersection of Life and

DeathDeath

MotifsMotifs

Motifs are recurring structures, Motifs are recurring structures, contrasts, or literary devices that can contrasts, or literary devices that can help to develop and inform the text’s help to develop and inform the text’s major themes.major themes.

ParalysisParalysis EpiphanyEpiphany BetrayalBetrayal ReligionReligion

symbolssymbols Symbols are objects, characters, figures, or colors useSymbols are objects, characters, figures, or colors use

d to represent abstract ideas or concepts.d to represent abstract ideas or concepts. Windows Windows Dusk and nighttimeDusk and nighttime FoodFood Brown Brown ColdnessColdness Mud/slush/dust/snow (numbness)Mud/slush/dust/snow (numbness) Horse circling statue Horse circling statue Coffin temple Coffin temple drunknessdrunkness

Important quotations explainedImportant quotations explained

Yes, the newspapers were right: snow wYes, the newspapers were right: snow was general all over Ireland. It was falling as general all over Ireland. It was falling on every part of the dark central plain, oon every part of the dark central plain, on the treeless hills, falling softly upon thn the treeless hills, falling softly upon the Bog of Allen and, farther westward, sofe Bog of Allen and, farther westward, softly falling into the dark mutinous Shanntly falling into the dark mutinous Shannon waves. It was falling, too, upon every on waves. It was falling, too, upon every part of the lonely churchyard on the hill part of the lonely churchyard on the hill where Michael Furey lay buried.where Michael Furey lay buried.

In the very last paragraph of “The Dead,” and hence the last paIn the very last paragraph of “The Dead,” and hence the last paragraph of ragraph of DublinersDubliners, Gabriel gazes out of his hotel window, watc, Gabriel gazes out of his hotel window, watching the falling snow and reflecting on his wife Gretta’s recent ching the falling snow and reflecting on his wife Gretta’s recent confession about her childhood love, Michael Furey. Previously in onfession about her childhood love, Michael Furey. Previously in the story, Gabriel had been intoxicated and energized by Grettthe story, Gabriel had been intoxicated and energized by Gretta’s preoccupied mood, which reminded him of their courtship, a’s preoccupied mood, which reminded him of their courtship, but her outburst of sobbing undermines his self-assurance. This but her outburst of sobbing undermines his self-assurance. This quiet moment of contemplation portrays Gabriel’s muted, hushquiet moment of contemplation portrays Gabriel’s muted, hushed acceptance that he was not Gretta’s first love, and that in faced acceptance that he was not Gretta’s first love, and that in fact he has never felt love at all. The blanket of snow suggests this st he has never felt love at all. The blanket of snow suggests this sense of numbness in Gabriel’s character—he is literally frigid to ense of numbness in Gabriel’s character—he is literally frigid to emotion—but also the commonality of this trait. The snow does emotion—but also the commonality of this trait. The snow does not fall only outside of Gabriel’s window, but, as he envisions it, not fall only outside of Gabriel’s window, but, as he envisions it, across the country, from the Harbor of Dublin in the east, to the sacross the country, from the Harbor of Dublin in the east, to the south in Shannon, and to the west. In other words, everyone, everouth in Shannon, and to the west. In other words, everyone, everywhere, is as numb as he is. ywhere, is as numb as he is.

In this image, Gabriel also contemplates his mortality, and how hIn this image, Gabriel also contemplates his mortality, and how his living experience intersects with death and the dead. Snow fallis living experience intersects with death and the dead. Snow falls everywhere in Ireland, including on the grave of Michael Furey, s everywhere in Ireland, including on the grave of Michael Furey, who has so recently entered his life. In his speech at his aunts’ pwho has so recently entered his life. In his speech at his aunts’ party, Gabriel had called for the need to live one’s life without brarty, Gabriel had called for the need to live one’s life without brooding over the memories of the dead, but here he realizes the fuooding over the memories of the dead, but here he realizes the futility of such divisions and the lack of feeling they expose in his ctility of such divisions and the lack of feeling they expose in his character. Gretta cannot forget the pain of the dead in her life, anharacter. Gretta cannot forget the pain of the dead in her life, and her acute suffering illustrates for Gabriel that the dead are very d her acute suffering illustrates for Gabriel that the dead are very much a part of the lives around him, including his own. That Gabrmuch a part of the lives around him, including his own. That Gabriel’s reflections occur in the nighttime adds to the significance iel’s reflections occur in the nighttime adds to the significance of this quote. As he now broods over the dead, he hovers in that fof this quote. As he now broods over the dead, he hovers in that flickering state that separates the vibrancy of one daytime from tlickering state that separates the vibrancy of one daytime from the next. The darkness above the ground mirrors the darkness behe next. The darkness above the ground mirrors the darkness beneath the ground, where coffins of the dead rest. neath the ground, where coffins of the dead rest.

1. Joyce brings the reader’s attention t1. Joyce brings the reader’s attention to everyday objects throughout his storieo everyday objects throughout his stories. Discuss some examples and explain ths. Discuss some examples and explain the significance of Joyce’s use of them in e significance of Joyce’s use of them in the collection. the collection.

Typical objects also bolster the palpable realism of thTypical objects also bolster the palpable realism of the stories in the collection. When Joyce describes a chae stories in the collection. When Joyce describes a character sipping a drink or munching on food, as he does racter sipping a drink or munching on food, as he does with Lenehan in “Two Gallants,” the character becowith Lenehan in “Two Gallants,” the character becomes real and accessible because of the specific meal hmes real and accessible because of the specific meal he eats and is no longer a distant, abstract figure on the e eats and is no longer a distant, abstract figure on the page. Lenehan eats not just dinner, but a dinner of pepage. Lenehan eats not just dinner, but a dinner of peas and ginger beer. While many of the objects might bas and ginger beer. While many of the objects might be unfamiliar to modern or non-Irish readers, they nevee unfamiliar to modern or non-Irish readers, they nevertheless create an authenticity that encourages the rertheless create an authenticity that encourages the reader to observe characters closely. Joyce makes the rader to observe characters closely. Joyce makes the reader privy to all aspects of his characters’ lives: boteader privy to all aspects of his characters’ lives: both the uneventful necessities and the lofty thoughts, anh the uneventful necessities and the lofty thoughts, and the connection between the two.d the connection between the two.

2. In the first three stories of 2. In the first three stories of DublinersDubliners, J, Joyce uses first-person narration, though oyce uses first-person narration, though for the rest of the collection he uses thirfor the rest of the collection he uses third-person. What purpose do the two narrd-person. What purpose do the two narrative approaches serve? ative approaches serve?

Joyce manages to include the same sort of intiJoyce manages to include the same sort of intimacy of the first-person narration in the third-macy of the first-person narration in the third-person narration. When he describes a scene, person narration. When he describes a scene, he allows the prose to mimic the thoughts of the allows the prose to mimic the thoughts of the protagonist. Being a Dubliner, Joyce suggeshe protagonist. Being a Dubliner, Joyce suggests, is feeling like both a part of a community as ts, is feeling like both a part of a community as well as an outsider to it. In turn, the narrative awell as an outsider to it. In turn, the narrative arc of the collection, starting with “The Sisterrc of the collection, starting with “The Sisters” and ending with “The Dead,” invites the s” and ending with “The Dead,” invites the reader into Dublin as someone who feels the sreader into Dublin as someone who feels the snow connecting his or her life to others, like Gnow connecting his or her life to others, like Gabriel does, for example, but in remote and colabriel does, for example, but in remote and cold ways. d ways.

Discuss the role of story titles in the collDiscuss the role of story titles in the collection. How does a given title interact wiection. How does a given title interact with its story and with the titles of other stth its story and with the titles of other stories? What is the significance of the collories? What is the significance of the collection’s title? ection’s title?

Joyce chooses titles that often seem unrelated at the beginnings Joyce chooses titles that often seem unrelated at the beginnings of stories but deeply symbolic by their conclusions. As such, he rof stories but deeply symbolic by their conclusions. As such, he requires his readers to make interpretations. With the title of “Tequires his readers to make interpretations. With the title of “Two Gallants,” for example, the reader expects a story about two wo Gallants,” for example, the reader expects a story about two gentlemen, but gradually realizes that the protagonists are nothigentlemen, but gradually realizes that the protagonists are nothing of the sort. The irony of the title underscores the fact that the ng of the sort. The irony of the title underscores the fact that the story implicitly critiques the lives of Lenehan and Corley, and alsstory implicitly critiques the lives of Lenehan and Corley, and also suggests the false images that people assign to themselves. Leo suggests the false images that people assign to themselves. Lenehan and Corley probably think themselves to be two gallants, nehan and Corley probably think themselves to be two gallants, but Joyce shows them to be otherwise. Joyce’s choice of titles but Joyce shows them to be otherwise. Joyce’s choice of titles also serves to create dialogue between the stories. The titles of talso serves to create dialogue between the stories. The titles of the opening and closing stories of the collection, for example, couhe opening and closing stories of the collection, for example, could be interchangeable. “The Sisters” fits the content of that stold be interchangeable. “The Sisters” fits the content of that story, but it could also appropriately describe the final story, which ry, but it could also appropriately describe the final story, which also involves two aged siblings. Likewise, “The Dead” could seralso involves two aged siblings. Likewise, “The Dead” could serve as the title for the first story, which begins with the anticipatiove as the title for the first story, which begins with the anticipation of a death. n of a death.

Such connections generate a sense of unity in Such connections generate a sense of unity in the collection, as well as a circle. By creating tithe collection, as well as a circle. By creating titles that intermingle thematically with each ottles that intermingle thematically with each other as “The Sisters” and “The Dead” do, Jher as “The Sisters” and “The Dead” do, Joyce constructs a narrative loop that recalls thoyce constructs a narrative loop that recalls the circular routines of the lives portrayed in the e circular routines of the lives portrayed in the stories. As such, the title for the collection is sistories. As such, the title for the collection is significant. These stories depict as well asgnificant. These stories depict as well as enact enact the Dublin life that all of them share. Such circthe Dublin life that all of them share. Such circularity defines Joyce’s characters, and the titularity defines Joyce’s characters, and the title of the collection fixes them to that cycle witle of the collection fixes them to that cycle with the suggestion that life in Dublin, at least for h the suggestion that life in Dublin, at least for these figures, can be no other way. these figures, can be no other way.

Suggested Essay TopicsSuggested Essay Topics

1. Of the fifteen stories in 1. Of the fifteen stories in DublinersDubliners, , Joyce focuses on women as Joyce focuses on women as protagonists in only four stories, but protagonists in only four stories, but women appear throughout the women appear throughout the collection in various small roles, often collection in various small roles, often in relation to male protagonists. What in relation to male protagonists. What is the symbolic role of these latter is the symbolic role of these latter women? Consider particular stories as women? Consider particular stories as well as the collection as a whole. well as the collection as a whole.

2. As the title implies, 2. As the title implies, DublinersDubliners examines the lives of people in examines the lives of people in Ireland’s capital, and Joyce provides Ireland’s capital, and Joyce provides ample geographical details. Since not ample geographical details. Since not all readers are familiar with Dublin, all readers are familiar with Dublin, such details can be unfamiliar. What such details can be unfamiliar. What purpose, then, do these elements purpose, then, do these elements serve? serve?

3. Consider the number of deaths, both l3. Consider the number of deaths, both literal and metaphorical, that occur or ariteral and metaphorical, that occur or are referred to in e referred to in DublinersDubliners. Which stories . Which stories connect through the presence of death, connect through the presence of death, and why is this connection significant?and why is this connection significant?

4. Do any stories contain moments in wh4. Do any stories contain moments in which Joyce’s authorial voice and point-oich Joyce’s authorial voice and point-of-view seem to speak through the narratf-view seem to speak through the narrators? Use the text to show how this occurors? Use the text to show how this occurs and what Joyce expresses. s and what Joyce expresses.

5. Some stories include a full version of a text c5. Some stories include a full version of a text cited internally by a character. For example, in ited internally by a character. For example, in “A Painful Case” the reader can examine the “A Painful Case” the reader can examine the article about Mrs. Sinico’s death that Mr. Duffarticle about Mrs. Sinico’s death that Mr. Duffy finds, and in “Ivy Day in the Committee Rooy finds, and in “Ivy Day in the Committee Room” the reader can review Hynes’s poem abom” the reader can review Hynes’s poem about Parnell. What sort of relationship between rut Parnell. What sort of relationship between reader and story do such forms create? What meader and story do such forms create? What might be Joyce’s aim in cultivating this relatioight be Joyce’s aim in cultivating this relationship?nship?

Suggestions for Further ReadingSuggestions for Further Reading

Bosinelli, Rosa Bollettieri, and Harold F. Mosher, eds. Bosinelli, Rosa Bollettieri, and Harold F. Mosher, eds. Rejoycing: New ReRejoycing: New Readings of Dublinersadings of Dubliners. Lexington: University Press of Kentucky, 1998.. Lexington: University Press of Kentucky, 1998.

Ellmann, Richard. Ellmann, Richard. James JoyceJames Joyce. New York: Oxford University Press, 1982 . New York: Oxford University Press, 1982 Garrett, Peter, ed. Garrett, Peter, ed. Twentieth Century Interpretations of DublinersTwentieth Century Interpretations of Dubliners: : A CollA Coll

ection of Critical Essaysection of Critical Essays. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 196. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 1968.8.

Gifford, Don. Gifford, Don. Joyce Annotated: Notes for Dubliners andJoyce Annotated: Notes for Dubliners and A Portrait of the A Portrait of the Artist as a Young ManArtist as a Young Man. 2nd rev. ed. Berkeley: University of California Pres. 2nd rev. ed. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1982.s, 1982.

Herring, Phillip. “Herring, Phillip. “DublinersDubliners: The Trials of Adolescence.” In : The Trials of Adolescence.” In James JoycJames Joyce: A Collection of Critical Essayse: A Collection of Critical Essays, edited by Mary T. Reynolds. Englewood , edited by Mary T. Reynolds. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 1993. Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 1993.

Norris, Margot. Norris, Margot. Suspicious Readings of Joyce’s Suspicious Readings of Joyce’s Dubliners. Philadelphia: Dubliners. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2003.University of Pennsylvania Press, 2003.

Torchiana, Donald T. Torchiana, Donald T. Backgrounds for Joyce’s DublinersBackgrounds for Joyce’s Dubliners. Boston: Allen . Boston: Allen & Unwin, 1986.& Unwin, 1986.

11. What does Miss Ivors call Gabriel whe11. What does Miss Ivors call Gabriel when they dance together in “The Dead”? n they dance together in “The Dead”? (A) A poor dancer(A) A poor dancer

(B) A loyal Irishman(B) A loyal Irishman (C) A West Briton(C) A West Briton (D) A good writer (D) A good writer

13. What captures Gretta’s attention w13. What captures Gretta’s attention while the other guests leave the Morkan phile the other guests leave the Morkan party in “The Dead”? arty in “The Dead”?

(A) Her husband(A) Her husband (B) The snow(B) The snow (C) Freddy Malins(C) Freddy Malins (D) A song(D) A song

20. What does Gabriel look at outside of 20. What does Gabriel look at outside of his hotel window in “The Dead”?his hotel window in “The Dead”?

(A) Snow(A) Snow (B) A graveyard(B) A graveyard (C) Children playing a game(C) Children playing a game (D) Traffic(D) Traffic

21. What does Gabriel do in “The Dea21. What does Gabriel do in “The Dead” that no one else does during the pard” that no one else does during the party meal?ty meal?

(A) Eats(A) Eats (B) Delivers a speech(B) Delivers a speech (C) Gets drunk(C) Gets drunk (D) Tells a story about his childhood(D) Tells a story about his childhood