Learning Paths » 5A Interacting
1. What narrative technique is used in the text?
Joyce uses a third person narrator who often adopts Gabriel Conroy's point of view through monologues and free indirect speech. Moreover an intelligent reader can understand that in the text is used the dialogue to, in particular the direct speech.
2. Why does the writer make extensive use of the monologue?
The monologue is used because the writer wants to underline Gabriel's reflections and not the events.
3. Does he use reported speech or direct speech and why?
The writer uses the direct speech, because he wants to tell us the story and the situation without giving judgements or opinions directly. Moreover also free indirect speech is used because the writer wants to convey Gabriel's thoughts, reflections and lack of certainties.
4. The leitmotiv of the story is death: how is it expressed?
It is expressed both through usually images and though unusual references.
5. The last paragraph of the short story is an example of epiphany. Which stylistic elements concur to convey Gabriel's revelation?
The writer uses visual elements like "snow" and "Gretta boots", sensations like "cold air" and finally the widening of the focus from Gabriel's room to the whole of Ireland to convey Gabriel's revelation