In James Joyce’s short story, “Eveline,” in the collection Dubliners, he introduces the story off with Eveline gazing miserably out the window, the distinct smell of dust causing her to reminisce about her youth when she was able to frolic and play in an empty field with other children before new houses were built. This memory sparked a profound sadness inside her, remembering that was when her mother was still breathing, and her father, still a father. Realizing that her friends and family were either dead or moved away made her comprehend how she too, is leaving her home.
Along with the illustration of what her childhood was like, there is a description of her worn and battered house, and the feelings it stirs inside her, as she never thought she would depart from what was formerly such a big part of her life. Eveline is faced with two alternatives that she can't seem to get past. Stay home as an amenable daughter, or leave with her beloved, Frank. While deciphering between the two, she starts worrying about what other people would think of her if she were to leave. Instead of making her decisions based on what would be best for her and her mental health, she relies on the idea of what other people expect of her.
Eveline starts comparing her brothers and father, and how they differ in terms of granting her a sense of security, she implements this by describing the tiresome work her dad has her juggle, between working at a store and housekeeping, and although this is seen in a negative aspect she starts to second guess herself and comes up with compromises as to why staying home might not be so bad in the long run because after all, her father isn't always abusive.
Frank, a sailor, asks Eveline to elope and start a new life with him in Buenos Aires. Eveline shows her hesitation by going back and forth on whether to stay or leave, and decides to write two letters for both her father and her brother, Harry. These notes caused yet another surge of memories of a more idyllic childhood, and promises once made to her mother to stay home. However, the sound of a street organ echoing through the town quickly alters the direction of her thoughts, sparking the memory of the night before her mother's death. She remembers her mother's pitiful life and decides she wants to change her course so that she doesn't end up the same way. Because of this reflection, she concludes she must leave with Frank and embark on a new journey.
Like many other short stories in Dubliners, Eveline fantasies about the idea of escaping, but her dependency on routine takes over this idea, and instead of breaking free from this cycle of indecisiveness, she relies on prayer. While waiting to board the ship with Frank, she feels an aura of fear around her, overwhelmed with the decision that she is about to devote herself to. She again prays to God for guidance hoping it will reassure her in her decision. This proves to do the exact opposite, however, for she acts as if her determination to go with Frank has never existed, and while he boards and pleads with Eveline to come with him, she stays rooted in Dublin, both immobile and passionless.
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The Conflicting Aspirations of Eveline in James Joyce’s ‘Dubliners’.
(2022, September 01). Edubirdie. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://edubirdie.com/examples/the-conflicting-aspirations-of-eveline-in-james-joyces-dubliners/
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2022 Sept 01 [cited 2024 Apr 19].
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