araby
james joyce
thesis statement essay
Do his emotions seem realistic.
Identify the two similes in the last sentence
Joyce uses religious references throughout this passage . Why do you think he chose to do this, and how do they relate to his use of epiphany?
include details about housing, jobs, the educational system, and class differences in Dublin around 1900
In James Joyce's short story "Araby," the protagonist's emotions towards his crush seem realistic as he navigates the complexities of desire and disillusionment. The two similes in the last sentence ("Gazing up into the darkness I saw myself as a creature driven and derided by vanity; and my eyes burned with anguish and anger") liken the protagonist to a creature driven by vanity and suggest a burning intensity in his gaze.
Joyce strategically utilizes religious references throughout the passage to add depth and symbolism to the protagonist's journey. By incorporating religious imagery, such as the references to the priest and the church, Joyce emphasizes themes of faith, longing, and epiphany. The protagonist's encounter at the bazaar serves as a moment of epiphany, where he realizes the futility of his romantic pursuit and the harsh realities of the world outside of his sheltered existence.
During the time period of Dublin around 1900, housing conditions were often cramped and unsanitary, with many families living in poverty. Jobs were scarce, wages were low, and opportunities for social mobility were limited. The educational system favored the wealthy and privileged, perpetuating class differences and inequality in society. Joyce's portrayal of these harsh living conditions and stark class divisions in "Araby" reflects the socio-economic realities of Dublin during this period.