The Dead by James Joyce Short Story in Literature

the dead by joyce

1. The Dead James Joyce

2. Introduction Joyce was an Irish novelist, short story writer, poet, teacher, and literary critic . Proponent of modern avant-garde Include experimental and unorthodox and radical treatment of art & literature One of the forerunners of stream of consciousness Narrative technique that attempts to depict the inner thoughts and feelings of characters

3. Remarkable works A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man The Dubliners (A Collection of Short Stories) Ulysses The Dead is also taken from his The Dubliners The story is extensive of all the collection It is also sometime labelled as a novella

4. Characters Gabriel Conroy: Protagonist/ Professor Kate Morkan and Julia Morkan: Aunts Mary Jane Morkan: Niece to aunts & cousin of Gabriel Lily: The caretaker’s daughter Gretta Conroy : Gabriel’s wife Molly Ivors : A family acquaintance Freddy Malins : A Drunkard & friend of family

5. Plot Summary The story revolves around Gabriel, his relationship with family , friends & wife Gabriel & Gretta join Christmas party at his aunt’s house Gabriel worries about his speech as a guest, a few moments after his arrival fearing that the audience may not understand Gabriel is confronted in an argument with Ivors

6. Continued The discussion continues over nationalism & Ivors criticizes Gabriel She teases him as a West Briton because he supports English control over Ireland The interaction leaves him upset and meanwhile, his wife desires to visit her childhood home Galway Gabriel is absorbed in thought of his speech & the weather outside

7. Continued After dining, Gabriel begins his speech He praises Irish hospitality Comments at the contemporary age as skeptical and thought-tormented Praises aunts and Marry as THREE GRACES : Goddesses of charm, beauty, nature, human creativity, and fertility (Greek Mythology) The speech ends and the guests sing a song in honor

8. Continued When Gabriel prepares to leave, he finds his wife absorbs at the tune of song The Lass of Aughrim (Child’s Ballad). Both leave for the hotel to stay & Gabriel finally feels excited His passion of family time is dashed by Gretta’s mood. After inquiring about the reason, Gretta recalls the story of her lover in childhood to Gabriel

9. Continued The boy named Furey died early in their relationship She tells she had been in love with him & sleeps afterwards Gabriel is shocked & dismayed; ponders at the role of countless dead in living people’s life Gabriel stands at the window, watching the snow fall