In James Joyce’s short story, "Eveline," the main character is faced with a life-changing decision. She contemplates leaving her childhood home and along with it, her memories, people she knows, and the security she feels at having shelter and food. She even reminisces about the time her father took care of her and when he put on her mother’s bonnet. She considers the promise she made to her dying mother to take care of the family. On the other hand, she can leave the country with Frank and start a new life in Buenos Ayres. She wouldn’t have to work as much or take care of the family, she would be married and respected, and she would be able to escape her father’s abuse. She gets carried away in her romance with Frank; she loves having a boyfriend and having someone to take her to the theater. Additionally, she wants to escape her life and she believes that Frank is the one who can save her and perhaps even love her. She frantically decides to leave behind everything she knows in order to start a new life. Standing in the station in a daze, she catches site of the boat whose image awakens her to the seriousness and finality of her decision. She prays to God to guide her. The bell tolls and he grabs her hand pulling her forward. She panics and becomes paralyzed by the sudden realization that she must stay. She grips the railing with both hands.
This moment of paralyzing epiphany is reminiscent of one in Joyce’s story "Araby" in which the boy is manipulated by the girl he likes into going to the bazaar and buying her something. Waiting in front of the stand, he is ignored by a woman who is busy flirting with a group of soldiers. When she finally notices him, she asks him if he wants to purchase anything. He realizes that she only pays attention to him because of the possibility that it might benefit her. He connects this with how the girl he likes is using him and he doesn’t buy anything.
In both of these stories, the characters are faced with the option to follow their hearts or make the more practical choice. They both experience paralyzing epiphanies which result in their decisions. Eveline decides to remain home and take care of her family and the boy refuses to be deceived by the girl he likes.
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This is a good interpretation of the two stories. You could have added a little bit more about the story "Araby" though
ReplyDeleteSolid reading of the texts but there is not much of a conclusion. Its almost just an in depth recapitulation of both stories.
ReplyDeleteI feel like his epiphanie is so much more than just the feeling of being ignored. He realized that he is now involved in the persuit of love in the same way he has now been entered into the economy.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you said at the end. Both characters wanted to follow their hearts but they realize that there is more to what they want and end up not being able to do so.
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