Introduction
James Joyce’s Dubliners is a poignant meditation on the constraints faced by early 20th-century Ireland, set within the context of modernist literature. Two outstanding short stories in this intriguing book, The Sisters and Araby, deftly examine the struggles young boys face in a society immobilized by its own restrictions, while using symbolism to lend great significance to ostensibly everyday things and situations. Joyce expertly delves into the minds of these individuals through the themes of paralysis and symbolism, demonstrating their captivity within societal conventions and the tensions between their aspirations and the harsh reality they face.
With an analysis of how paralysis and symbolism contribute to the in-depth examination of the characters’ lives in both novels, each subject sentence in the following parts will be related to the central thesis. This essay argues that James Joyce expertly captures the difficulties boys face in Dubliners by depicting the emotional stagnation they experience within the boundaries of societal expectations and by using symbols that enrich the narratives and deepen the themes.
Paralysis in ‘The Sisters’
Character’s Paralysis
In James Joyce’s The Sisters, the unnamed young boy goes through psychological paralysis after the death of the elderly priest. The boy experiences a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, like grief, curiosity, and fear (Joyce 1). Joyce’s language skillfully captures the boy’s struggle by describing the priest’s passing as “the thump” and highlighting the “odd, vague, and uncertain” circumstances surrounding his illness.
For instance, in The Sisters, James Joyce skillfully incorporates symbolism to depict the psychological paralysis experienced by the characters. The priest’s use of a chalice symbolizes decay and deterioration, which mirrors the boy’s entrapment within societal and religious expectations (Joyce 6). This chalice serves as a metaphor for the weight of doctrines and societal norms that burden the protagonist, impeding his growth and ability to express his feelings freely. Through this symbolism, Joyce provides readers insight into the boy’s struggle with conflicting emotions and his oppressive surroundings.
Examination of the Characters
In the story, The Sisters, the theme of being stuck and unable to move is evident through the challenges faced by the unnamed boy after the death of the elderly priest. The author uses symbolism to emphasize this theme, as shown in the chalice the priest uses. The chalice, broken and empty, represents decay and deterioration, symbolizing the decay of religious and societal structures (Joyce 9).
The chalice becomes a metaphor for the burden of doctrines that weigh him down, preventing his growth and freedom of expression. The lack of conversations about death and the secretive atmosphere surrounding the priest’s passing contribute to his paralysis. Through symbols like the chalice and his interactions with others, people gain insight into the protagonist’s journey and how societal constraints shape him.
Use of Symbols to Reinforce the Theme of Paralysis
In The Sisters, the author skillfully incorporates symbols to reinforce the theme of paralysis and emphasize the characters’ emotional experiences. For example, the chalice in the story is meaningful, and the protagonist mentions that it sat idly in the dead priest’s hands, visually representing decay and deterioration (Joyce 6). This suggests potential corruption or hidden secrets within the religious institution. As an object, the chalice may symbolize the weight of expectations that burden the protagonist and contribute to his emotional paralysis.
Similarly, in Araby, themes of paralysis and symbolism effectively depict a boy’s struggles and limitations in 20th-century Ireland. Exploring psychological landscapes, the protagonist’s impact on their lives helps unravel James Joyce’s insights in The Sisters and Araby. Through an analysis of these two stories, readers will gain an understanding and appreciation for Joyce’s masterful storytelling abilities as he explores human existence amidst the complexities of Irish society.
Paralysis in ‘Araby’
Exploration
In the story Araby, individuals can observe the theme of feeling stuck and unable to move forward through an unnamed boy’s psychological struggles. His infatuation with his friend’s sister becomes a point in this exploration. James Joyce cleverly employs symbolism to reinforce this theme and offer insights into the protagonist’s journey.
One instance of symbolism in Araby is the portrayal of the bazaar itself, which is also known as Araby. This bazaar symbolizes the boy’s hopes and aspirations, representing an avenue for him to escape from his limited reality (Joyce 20). It becomes a metaphor for his yearning for excitement, beauty, and fulfillment, all of which are stifled by his society. However, when he finally reaches Araby, he is disappointed as it closes down and fails to possess the enchantment he had envisioned.
Additionally, the imagery of light and darkness represents the boy’s journey. The boy sees Mangan’s sister as a source of beauty and inspiration, symbolized by light (Joyce 20). His home is portrayed as a place that reflects the stagnant environment in which he is trapped. As the boy’s infatuation intensifies, his fixation on Mangan’s sister grows stronger, representing his desire for escape and emotional fulfillment (Joyce 21). James Joyce enriches the narrative through these symbols by providing readers with insight into the protagonist’s experiences. How societal limitations shape his journey.
Analysis of Pressures
The themes of paralysis in James Joyce’s stories, The Sisters and Araby, are reinforced by the influence of familial pressures. In The Sisters, the boy’s emotional paralysis results from norms and religious expectations surrounding the death of an elderly priest. The social environment in the story reveals how one’s presence can be perceived as being trapped under feelings of limitation (Mukherjee 1255).
Similarly, in Arab societies, societal constraints play a role in causing psychological paralysis for the nameless boy. His passion for his friend’s sister symbolizes his longing for a reality unconstrained by society’s limitations. His disappointment at the bazaar reflects the conflict between his dreams and the harsh realities shaped by society. Joyce expertly integrates symbolism into both stories’ thematic structures to reveal the boys’ societal challenges.
Reinforcing the Theme
In James Joyce’s Araby, the author cleverly employs symbols to reinforce the theme of feeling stuck and highlight the emotions experienced by the protagonist. One symbol that stands out is the Araby bazaar itself. Initially, the bazaar embodies the boy’s romanticized notions of love and excitement. However, on arriving at the bazaar, he is dissatisfied with commercialism and indifference, which angers him immensely (Wheatley 26).
In today’s society, individuals may still grapple with conflicting emotions, societal expectations, and shattered dreams, much like the characters in Joyce’s stories. These symbols remind individuals of the ongoing struggle to break free from societal norms and find fulfillment in a world of stagnation and symbolism.
Comparison of ‘The Sisters’ and ‘Araby‘
Similarities Between the Protagonists’ Experiences
Despite facing different circumstances, The Sisters and Araby depict boys who share similar emotional and psychological experiences. These protagonists both struggle with feeling stuck or paralyzed due to the religious expectations surrounding them. In The Sisters, the young boy is emotionally paralyzed by the norms and societal pressures that prevent him from openly expressing his feelings or dealing with grief.
Similarly, in Araby, an unnamed adolescent boy is emotionally frozen by the norms that forbid him from pursuing his infatuation with Mangan’s sister (Joyce 21). Moreover, in The Sisters, the boy questions the nature of his relationship with the priest and is unable to find closure due to the secretive nature of their interactions. In Araby, the boy’s infatuation with Mangan’s sister is filled with idealized notions of romance. However, when he finally reaches Araby’s bazaar, he is met with indifference.
Comparison of the Impact of External Forces on Their Lives
Both stories illustrate how external factors significantly influence the characters’ journeys. In The Sisters, the boy’s emotional and psychological stagnation is heavily influenced by the prevailing religious and societal norms. Similarly, in Araby, societal expectations stifle the boy’s infatuation, preventing him from pursuing a connection with Mangan’s sister (Joyce 21).
Furthermore, in The Sisters, conservative beliefs held by the boy’s family and their community create a formal atmosphere, depriving him of the emotional support to process his feelings fully. Likewise, Araby‘s disconnected and unsupportive home environment further intensifies his isolation and stagnation.
Consequences of the Symbols Used in Both Stories
Using symbolism in both The Sisters and Araby enriches the depth and complexity of the stories’ themes. In both tales, the symbols mirror the states of the characters and the societal limitations they face, adding layers of meaning. The chalice in The Sisters symbolizes decay and corruption, reflecting the boy’s entrapment within institutions and societal expectations (Mukherjee 1257).
Similarly, in Araby, the bazaar represents shattered dreams for the boy. Furthermore, both stories employ light and darkness as shared symbols. In The Sisters, darkness represents confinement for the boy and creates a somber atmosphere surrounding death. Likewise, in Araby, light is associated with hope, while darkness symbolizes emotional stagnation and disillusionment. The paralysis and shattered dreams still hold relevance in today’s world, as seen by the challenges people face as they navigate expectations and search for fulfillment in a disillusioned society.
Reflection on the Common Themes
Both stories explore the themes of feeling trapped and disheartened, emphasizing how societal and religious restrictions impacted boys in Ireland. These stories offer insights into the challenges and constraints faced by these protagonists, providing a glimpse into their psychological experiences. James Joyce skillfully portrays the confinement experienced by these boys through a sense of paralysis, shedding light on how societal norms and religious beliefs hindered their ability to express themselves freely (Eskandari 417). In the current world, this is evident through the challenges people face as they try to navigate expectations and search for happiness in a world that often feels stagnant and disappointing.
Symbolism in ‘The Sisters’
Exploration of Symbols
In The Sisters, James Joyce skillfully incorporates a variety of symbols to enrich the storytelling and shed light on the boy’s psychological journey. One of the symbols in the narrative is the chalice used by the elderly priest. The chalice, covered in dirt, visually represents decay and deterioration.
The symbolism in this instance illustrates the priest’s downfall and hints at corruption or hidden secrets within organizations (Leonard 89). In this era, countless individuals bear the burden of expectations, feeling confined by their emotions. They face difficulties in meeting standards. Frequently encounter obstacles when openly expressing their feelings and discovering true satisfaction in life.
Role of Priest’s Paralysis
The symbolic significance of the priest’s paralysis is evident throughout the story in The Sisters. As the young boy interacts with the clergy during the rituals connected to death, the priest’s stillness evokes dread in which the boy is lost (Leonard 89). The physical paralysis of the priest reflects the stagnation that confines the boy within society’s religious norms and societal expectations. This illness represents a notion beyond the boy’s comprehension, making them feel torn by his feelings of uncertainty regarding death and his relationship with the clergy (Wheatley 9). In the modern world, numerous individuals feel restricted and constrained by prevailing norms and expectations. This can hinder their freedom of self-expression and the pursuit of their aspirations.
Furthermore, this paralysis experienced by the priest also symbolizes a theme prevalent in Dubliners. The immobilization and limitations of Ireland are embodied in the emotional states of this clergyman. The symbolism in this highlights that characters find themselves confined within a society defined by its norms and religious beliefs, which prevent them from embracing the opportunities life offers or discovering their capabilities (Leonard 90). The priest’s paralysis serves as a poignant reminder of the complexity of human experiences within a society defined by constraints. Many people experience a sense of confinement and limitations due to societal norms and expectations that impede their personal growth and hinder their self-discovery journey.
Other Significant Symbols
The Sisters incorporates elements that enhance the storyline alongside the chalice and the priest’s paralysis. The recurring use of darkness and shadows throughout the narrative symbolizes the confinement and somber atmosphere associated with death. These dark elements reflect the boy’s struggle to find clarity and understanding in the wake of the priest’s passing.
Additionally, the boy attempts to make sense of the priest’s death by looking out the window, walking past it every night (Leonard 89). The frequent mention of “paralysis” reinforces the theme of psychological entrapment that the characters experience. Its repetition emphasizes its significance within James Joyce’s Exploration of themes. The symbolism in today’s life remains meaningful, illustrating how people continue to struggle with feeling trapped, uncovering realities, and facing a sense of being stuck in darkness.
Symbolism in ‘Araby’
Inspection of the Symbolism Employed
In the story Araby, James Joyce skillfully incorporates symbolism to deepen the emotions and themes. One of the symbols in the narrative is the Araby bazaar itself. Initially, the bazaar represents the boy’s idealized notions of love and adventure. It embodies the allure of lands and holds the promise of something extraordinary outside his ordinary life (Joyce 20). Throughout the story, Joyce artfully integrates imagery related to this bazaar, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement as the boy yearns to attend. This symbolism enhances his involvement with Mangan’s sister and his desire to impress her.
However, as the story unfolds, the symbolism surrounding Araby transforms (Wheatley 26). When he finally reaches the bazaar, reality proves disappointing: a commercialized event lacking the enchantment he had imagined. The shift from hope to disillusionment mirrors his shattered dreams and highlights the contrast between his fantasy world and harsh external reality. This concept remains applicable today, highlighting how people often face the disparity between their lofty aspirations and the disillusioning realities they encounter while pursuing their dreams.
Importance of the Bazaar
The commercialized and indifferent atmosphere of the bazaar symbolizes the realities of a society lacking emotional connection. In a world focused on consumerism and superficiality, the boy’s dreams and desires are suppressed, resulting in disappointment (Joyce 23). Therefore, the symbolism of the bazaar reflects the pressures that contribute to the boy’s paralysis and hinder his pursuit of genuine emotional fulfillment.
Furthermore, the Araby bazaar symbolizes how desires are fleeting and youthful infatuations are temporary. The boy’s excitement and eagerness to attend the bazaar represent his emotions and urgent need to pursue his ideals. However, as he navigates through the bazaar and realizes that his pursuit is empty, it becomes evident that infatuations are short-lived, leaving him with cravings (Joyce 23). The symbolism of the Araby bazaar captures this theme of disillusionment in the story, offering readers a profound insight into youth, desire, and disillusionment. In today’s society, the disappointment that many people experience is a reflection of the emptiness that often results from shallow desires driven by consumerism.
Other Essential Symbols
Apart from the symbolism of the Araby bazaar, Araby includes symbols that add depth to the story. Light and darkness imagery play a role in conveying the boy’s emotions and contrasting elements of his experiences. Light represents hope, dreams, and the boy’s ideological views, while darkness symbolizes his confinement and loss of illusions (Joyce 23). For example, upon reaching the bazaar, the boy finds it enveloped in darkness, as if reflecting his own darkness, and realizes that his dreams have faded.
The symbolism in Araby enriches the narrative by adding layers of meaning and emotional depth. It invites readers to delve into the protagonist’s journey and explore the broader societal influences that contribute to his disillusionment. James Joyce’s skillful incorporation of symbolism elevates this story beyond a coming-of-age tale. It provides readers with an exploration of human experiences and universal themes such as disillusionment and the clash between idealized dreams and harsh realities.
Impact on Environment and Society
Influence of Irish Society on the Characters’ Lives
In both stories, James Joyce vividly depicts how the insular nature of early Irish society influenced the protagonists’ lives. During that time, strict social and religious norms shaped their psychological experiences. In The Sisters, the boy’s emotional paralysis results from the religious protocols surrounding death and mourning, causing him to grow resentful.
Similarly, in Araby, norms and familial pressures significantly contribute to the adolescent boy’s experience of paralysis. His infatuation with Mangan’s sister is deemed inappropriate and forbidden due to the gender roles in Irish society at that time. The fear of judgment and constraints imposed by his home environment prevents him from pursuing his desires or seeking emotional fulfillment. Both stories highlight how societal expectations and religious doctrines limit these characters’ emotional growth, thereby hindering their ability to explore their feelings and desires fully.
Impact of the Setting on the Theme
The setting of 20th-century Ireland in both stories plays a role in reinforcing the theme of paralysis. The portrayal of Dublin reflects the stagnation and limitations that impact the characters’ lives, acting as a microcosm of the constraints. The setting reflects the feelings of boredom and hopelessness that people experience under pressing circumstances, as the depressing environment affects people’s mental state (Qiu-Yue162). These stories in neighborhoods highlight the lack of growth opportunities that intensify their sense of paralysis and restriction.
Moreover, the physical setting serves as a backdrop for conveying the character’s emotional states. In The Sisters, the lit room where the priest’s body lies represents the atmosphere surrounding death and mourning. This imagery of darkness amplifies the boy’s confinement and confusion as he grapples with his feelings about the priest’s passing. On the one hand, in Araby, the comparison between his home and the enchanting appeal of Araby’s marketplace represents a conflict between his imagination and the harsh realities of the outside world (Joyce 23). The disparity between his desires and the limitations of his environment underscores how disillusionment permeates this story.
Gender Roles and Their Impact
Gender roles and societal expectations during the century in Ireland significantly impacted the emotional experiences of young boys depicted in the stories. These stories reveal the nature of Irish society, where traditional gender norms limit individuals’ ability to express their emotions freely. In The Sisters, the boy’s interactions with the clergy and his family are characterized by formality and distance, mainly due to the dynamics at play. The boy’s emotional paralysis and difficulty in dealing with his grief can be attributed to the presence of men in influential institutions and the absence of strong familial connections (Wheatley 6).
Likewise, in Araby, gender roles significantly influence the protagonist’s journey. The boy’s infatuation with Mangan’s sister was tinged with a sense of longing and forbidden desire as expectations frowned upon pursuits between young boys and girls. The fear of judgment from society and strict adherence to gender norms governing his interactions with Mangan’s sister trapped him emotionally, preventing him from expressing his feelings.
Coping Mechanisms and Escapism
Evaluation of Characters
The characters employ strategies to navigate their struggles and societal constraints in both stories. In The Sisters, the boy shows conflicting emotions after the priest’s death. He tries to find the underlying reasons behind his feelings, ultimately searching for a piece of truth that could explain his experience (Gaeini et al. 92). He engages in conversations with adults, including his uncle and the visiting clergy, in an effort to make sense of it all. However, finding clarity, these discussions only add to his confusion, leaving him feeling emotionally stuck. This helps the boy manage his emotions and navigate his uncertainty, highlighting the importance of open communication and seeking understanding in the world.
Likewise, in Araby, the adolescent boy resorts to escapism to cope with his infatuation and the harsh realities of his life. He gets lost in his world of imagination and daydreams, fantasizing about going to the Araby bazaar to capture the hearts of the Mangan sisters (Wheatley 24). Through these fantasies, he temporarily escapes from his entrapment; however, when he reaches the bazaar and confronts its commercialism, his coping mechanism crumbles, leaving him profoundly disillusioned.
Escapism
The theme of escapism is significant in both stories as it showcases the characters’ longing to break free from the limitations that surround them. In The Sisters, the young boy finds comfort in his quest to comprehend the priest’s life and death, using it to divert his attention from his emotions(Wheatley 12). He becomes fixated on unraveling the mysteries surrounding the clergy, using it to avoid facing death and his emotional paralysis.
Similarly, in Araby, the protagonist escapes through his infatuation with Mangan’s sister and his idealized vision of the Araby bazaar. It becomes a form of relief from his constrictive life. In his mind, he imagines the bazaar as a realm of enchantment and marvels, bringing him joy and thrill. (Wheatley 24). This allows the characters to experience comfort, giving them opportunities for optimism and thrills. It emphasizes the importance of discovering methods to manage and overcome life’s challenges to maintain mental wellness.
Consequences of Escapism
In both stories, escapism comes with its consequences for the protagonists. The boy’s efforts to understand the priest’s life in The Sisters lead to increased turmoil and loss (Qiu-Yue 161). His inability to confront his emotions and accept the priest’s passing keeps him emotionally paralyzed, leaving him without closure. The consequence of his escapism is that he remains trapped in a cycle of uncertainty and emotional stagnation, unable to move forward.
In Araby, the adolescent boy’s escapism in his infatuation with Mangan’s sister and his romanticized perception of the bazaar ultimately lead to profound disillusionment. As he journeys through the marketplace of life, he gradually understands the futility of his endeavors and the hollowness of his aspirations (Qiu-Yue 163). The outcome of his desire to escape is the destruction of his illusions and a harsh confrontation with the restrictions of his existence. This leaves him shattered and disenchanted, realizing the disparity between his realm of imagination and the tangible world around him.
The Role of Epiphanies
Interpretation of Moments of Epiphany
The two stories utilize instances of epiphany to offer insights into the characters’ emotional encounters and the themes of feeling trapped and losing faith. Epiphanies are moments of clarity or realization that bring about a comprehension of oneself or the surrounding world (Mukherjee 1254). These instances typically occur at the story’s peak and serve as turning points in the character’s emotional journey.
In the story The Sisters, the boy experiences a moment of realization. After the priest’s death, he experiences emotions and starts comprehending the heavy burden of societal and religious expectations that have kept him emotionally confined. This newfound sense of understanding marks a moment in his journey as he faces the constraints imposed by his environment. The urge to confess reveals the boy’s comprehension of the reality of the situation (Joyce 4). The boy becomes aware of the pressure to conform to norms, leading to paralysis, and seeks solace through prayer.
Realizations of the Protagonists
In the story The Sisters, the young boy experiences a moment of clarity after his interaction with the priest’s body. While standing by the window, he reflects on the priest’s life and passing. It dawns on him that the priest has died from the same pressure he feels (Joyce 9). This realization holds significance as it brings closure to the turmoil and confusion that plagued the boy.
Similarly, in Araby, an adolescent boy experiences his epiphany at a bazaar. Disappointed by its commercialized nature, he understands that his romanticized ideals and pursuit of Mangan’s sister were futile. This realization is a confrontation with both limitations and his emotional entrapment.
Comparison of the Effect of Epiphanies on the Characters’ Lives
The revelations in both stories deeply affect the characters’ lives and emotions. In The Sisters, the boy’s sudden understanding brings him a feeling of resolution and comprehension, enabling him to come to terms with his grief and emotional stagnation. The moment he realizes this also gives readers a glimpse into the challenges required for reinventing one’s identity (Gaeini et al. 90).
However, in Araby, the boy’s realization results in disappointment and loss, regarding the world he once knew. The realization that his romanticized ideals were mere fantasies confronts him with the harsh realities of his environment and the limitations imposed by societal norms. The epiphany in Araby represents the loss of innocence and the dawning awareness of the boy’s emotional entrapment.
The Message and Theme
Reflection on the Message of the Stories
The Sisters and Araby share a message about paralysis, disillusionment, and the search for self-discovery. In these stories, James Joyce delves into the psychology of his characters. He portrays their challenges in dealing with the constraints their traditional Irish society placed upon them through their sudden distinctions between reality and fantasy (Leonard 92). Through these moments, he exposes their struggles and highlights the stark contrast between their aspirations and the harsh truth.
Analysis
Both stories depict emotionally paralyzed characters, unable to connect with the world around them. This paralysis extends beyond limitations encompassing emotional stagnation caused by societal norms, restrictive traditions, and personal challenges. The character’s inability to break free from this paralysis leads to frustration and a sense of being trapped within their circumstances (Mukherjee 1255).
Additionally, the main protagonists undergo moments of disillusionment that shatter their idealized perceptions of life and the world. The harsh realities they confront collide with their romanticized fantasies, leaving them devastated and disenchanted. This disillusionment reflects the overarching theme concerning the clash between their expectations and the constraints imposed by society.
Possible imagery, in line with symbolic elements, is skillfully appointed by Joyce. This happens throughout both narratives to emphasize the central themes of such features. The metaphors of stagnation and paralysis are represented via the lens of the grim, enclosed environments and themes of decay.
Araby’s expedition and the nun’s interaction encapsulate the experiences of illusion devastation. The avail of first-person narrative augments the personal journey towards self-exploration. These literary techniques further amplify the emotional depth of stories. It offers readers an acute apprehension of the characters’ encounters and extensive societal context.
Significance
The themes of paralysis, disillusionment, and self-discovery explored in both stories hold meaning in the context of society during James Joyce’s writing era. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Ireland underwent significant societal changes due to a combination of adverse internal and external factors (Mukherjee 1254). The dominance of society alongside British colonial rule contributed to a feeling of being trapped and frustrated among the Irish people.
Furthermore, Joyce’s portrayal of paralysis in his characters reflects the stagnation and limitations individuals face within this structure. The prevalence highlights the difficulties faced when accepting their circumstances and dealing with shattered dreams. However, moments of self-discovery offer glimpses of hope, suggesting that understanding oneself and confronting emotions may lead to growth and freedom.
Conclusion
The two stories of James Joyce skillfully explore the challenges boys face through themes of paralysis and symbolism. These narratives delve into the psychological struggles of the characters as they try to navigate societal and religious limitations. Joyce employs symbols like the chalice, darkness, and the Araby bazaar to add depth and significance to the stories, providing readers with a glimpse into the characters’ inner worlds.
The influence of society and traditional gender roles further contributes to themes of disillusionment and loss of innocence. Moments of epiphany shape the characters’ journeys, offering them insights into self-discovery and their understanding of the world around them. Ultimately, these powerful tales shed light on the complexities of existence within the confines of society while showcasing Joyce’s exceptional storytelling skills and his contemplation on what it means to be human.
Works Cited
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Leonard, Garry. “Dubliners.” The Cambridge Companion to James Joyce, edited by Derek Attridge, 2nd ed., Cambridge UP, 2004, pp. 87-102.
Mukherjee, Shritama. “The “Broken Chalice”: Stasis, Sterility and Death in The Dubliners.” International Journal of English Literature and Social Sciences, vol. 4, no. 4, 2019, pp. 1254-1257.
Qiu-yue, Sun. “Analysis of the Symbolic Meaning of James Joyce’s Araby.” Journal of Literature and Art Studies, vol. 13, no. 3, 2023.
Wheatley, Alyssa M. “The Desire to Escape and the Inability to Follow Through in James Joyce’s Dubliners.” ScholarWorks@UNO.