"Dubliners" – James Joyce

Chapter 4 – "Eveline"

Setting

Eveline is looking out of the window of her house.

What happens in the chapter?

Eveline is looking out of the window of her house and she remembers her childhood, in particular, the death of both her mother and her older brother, Ernest. She is terrified by the father who mistreats her and, at the same time, she is frustrated because of her humble work. Thus, she decides to go to Buenos Aires with a sailor named Frank. Before leaving, she writes two letters, one for her brother, and one for the father, but she is troubled by doubts that assail her. The memory of the sad and monotonous life of the mother leads her to leave her city. When the two young are on the harbor and the ship is about to leave, Eveline hesitates, therefore Frank has to leave without her. She decides to remain because she has promised to her mother of keeping the family together as long as possible; moreover, she is afraid of the uncertainty of the future that she could have with Frank.

What is its function?

The function of this chapter is to present the protagonist of this story. In particular, this chapter provides the reader with the information useful to contextualize the main character both geographically and emotionally.

What are the main characters?

The main characters are the protagonist, Eveline, her father and her boyfriend, Frank.

What is the narrative technique?

The novel is told by a third-person narrator who expresses Evelin's thoughts and feelings by means of flashback.

Chapter 15 – "The Dead"

Setting

The novel takes place in Morkan sisters' home and in the hotel room of Gabriel Conroy and his wife Gretta.

What happens in the chapter?

Gabriel Conroy and his wife Gretta are at the annual dance and dinner in Morkan sisters' home. During the party, the wife's wistful mood emotionally strikes Gabriel who feels, after long time, sexually attracted by her. After the party, at the hotel room, Gretta explains to Gabriel that her wistful mood was aroused by a song. That song has reminded her a sick boy, Michael Furey who, a while ago, has revealed to her his love, despite his illness, by travelling through the rain to meet her. Gabriel is deeply disappointed by the wife's story; he ponders on the meaning of life and on the possibility to be remembered by making a deep and radical change.

What is its function?

The narrator provides the reader with detailed information about the moral path of the protagonist. In this chapter the reader is deeply involved in the feelings and the emotions of Gabriel who could ever escape his sadness and insecurity.

What are the main characters?

The main characters are Gabriel Conroy, the main character of the story, Kate Morkan and Julia Morkan, Gabriel's aunts, and Gretta Conroy, Gabriel's wife.

What is the narrative technique?

The novel is told by a third-person narrator who presents the point of view of the protagonist. However, the thoughts of the characters are introduced by the direct speech. This tecnique allows the direct knowledge of the character without the mediation of the narrator.