Eveline is a short story that belongs to the collection Dubliners, written by James Joyce.

The story is organized in sequences.

First sequence has an introductory function and the writer sets the protagonist in the story. Eveline is introduced like a passive girl, unable to act, paralised. The setting is seen in a nostalgic way and the words use in this sequence have a negative connotation to underline that Eveline feels menace by external world.

Second sequence has the function to tell the reader Eveline’s past life. She projects her life in the past without expectations for the future. Eveline is set in a closed place in which she must to be swallowed. As a matter of fact, the writer uses simple past, past perfect verb tenses or used to constructions to convey the idea of her habits in the past. Joyce underlines that Eveline has never a point of view.

In third sequence Joyce wants to introduce theme of the journey. The writer represents Eveline’s feelings and thoughts. Eveline sometimes seems to dream and to take distances to her situation.

Her employement status doesn’t give her motivation to live her life with hopes, desires or motivations. The judgment of other people interests Eveline, but it is told in negative terms.

The writer underlines the hard life of Eveline that she is always doing the same things, nobody helps her, the relationship with her father is difficult (he considers Eveline unable to do shopping), Eveline has a low position in the family. Joyce points out the position of women in Irish society, they are not considered as men. In this sequence is expressed the concept that Eveline has hard relationship in her life and the idea to go away seems a form of escape.

Fourth sequence is about the relationship between Eveline and Frank. Eveline thinks about the upcoming departure and she reminds at the first meeting with Frank. Frank is the typical romantic man that all women dream. Eveline feels confused and threated because she thinks about her future with Frank.

In fifth sequences Eveline is thinking to the window and she tries to find positive aspect in the relation with her father. Besides she reminds the promise she made to her mother as a reason to not leave. The writer underlines her fear for the future and unknown things. Eveline knows that Frank tries to save her to give her a happy life and love.

In the sixth sequence Eveline prays God to take her decision. At the end she decides to stay in her country. The writer underlines the inability to take a decision (she invokes God), she is unable to act and to live her life. She prefers lives in the past rather than faces life and new reality.