MB UNIUD

The Dead, by James Joyce

• What narrative technique is used in the text?
  The main technique used in the text is the dialogue between the characters, that is a direct speech. Joyce uses a third person narrator who often adopts Gabriel Conroy's point of view; he is the male protagonist.
• Why does the writer make extensive use of the monologue?
  The use of monologue underlines a writer's choice: Joyce wants to focus his and the reader's attention on the protagonists' thoughts and problems; as a matter of fact the story is sat at a party, where people just talk, drink, eat or listen to music. Joyce dedicates more space to reflections that to events; an example is Gabriel's reflection about death.
• Does he use reported speech or direct speech and why?
  Joyce uses direct speech, as a matter of fact he writes the dialogues between the guests of the party. He does not express his personal opinion about what they say or what happens. He uses free indirect speech to convey Gabriel's thoughts.
• The leitmotiv of the story is death: how is it expressed?
  It is expressed here:
1. Gabriel thoughts about his aunts' age: they are not young and their death is not so far.
2. Gretta speach about Michael Furey: he is dead for love.
3. Mr Conroy reflections about death, that is a banal life.
• The last paragraph of the short story is an example of epiphany. Which stylistic elements concur to convey Gabriel's revelation?
  They are:
1. VISUAL ELEMENTS: snow and the room
2. SENSATIONS: cold air