Analysis of James Joyce’ extract “The dead” from Dubliners (1914)

1 Why did I choose this extract and not another?
2 Elements of symbolic realism that you consider of particular importance?
3 Symbolism of proper names
4 Shade, light and darkness discuss

1 . The final part of “The Dead” can be considered the masterpiece of Joyce’s work. Indeed, it stands out from the other fourteen stories of the collection because even if it is similar in theme, it is more elaborate and remarkable. In other words, it can be considered as the summary and the climax of Dubliners. In particular, such extract deals with the intriguing relationship between Gretta and Gabriel. The scene is set in a hotel room, where Gretta and Gabriel have stayed after Misses Morkan’s annual dance. Right from the analysis of the extract the reader is able to trace out the typical themes, symbols and narrative techniques used by Joyce such as the symbolic realism and the narrated monologue in the form of free direct speech.

2 . Right from the analysis of the extract the reader is able to find out some elements of Joyce’s symbolic realism. Indeed, the particular attention for some objects instead of others reveals to the reader that they have acquired a remarkable meaning on the connotative level. It follows that, the reader must take into exam the connotative level in order to deepen the meaning of the symbolic elements. For instance, Gretta’s pair of boots turns out to be a clear example of a symbolic element: one standing up, the other sagged. The detailed description of the boots seems to suggest the reader that the pair of boots stands for Gretta and Gabriel’s relationship. In addition, there are also other elements which may be considered as “symbolic elements” such as: the window, the mirror, the characters’ facial details and the snow.

3 . The two characters’ proper names are symbolic. Indeed, the name “Gabriel” recalls to the Archangel Gabriel, a biblical reference that might stands for the spiritual dimension reached by the character. In addition “Gretta” has Greek origins and its meaning is “pearl”. Therefore, the name might refers to the apparent purity of the character.

4 . Light and darkness is one of the most frequent themes adopted by Joyce. Indeed, in this extract light and darkness are useful to convey a metaphorical meaning of the story. Right from the start of the scene the light is perceived through the window, which enables to enlight a part of the room leaving the other side in the darkness. Inside such setting, the two characters move from the light to the darkness, conveying to the reader a symbolic meaning: the characters who seem to avoid the light might stand for the desire of avoiding truth.