Archetypes in The Dubliners

Archetypes in The Dubliners: An Analysis of "After the Race" and "Two Gallants"

James Joyce’s “After the Race” and “Two Gallants” from his collection The Dubliners present two diverging plotlines that both exhibit various literary elements. In “After the Race,” the story revolves around Jimmy Doyle’s pursuit of riches and a high reputation, unable to see past his temptations. He longs to fit in with the high-class wealthy people he associates with, yet he is not competent enough to meet their standards. In contrast, “Two Gallants” tells the story of Lenehan, a young man who makes an unconventional living through deceit and thievery.

The Desire for Fulfillment

Although Lenehan wishes for a stable job and a family before he becomes old, he is unable to resist the lure of making money by his methods. Analyzing the lives of Jimmy Doyle and Lenehan from an archetypal and symbolic approach, both characters represent archetypes of individuals who have not attained the fulfillment they desire in their problematic lives. Overcome by remorse, Jimmy and Lenehan avoid their problems and overlook them. Jimmy, who leads a life of feigned wealth and pretense, chooses to immerse himself in his riches, although he is always aware of his reality. He is captivated by the experience of riding the French car and often thinks about his status and the reputation of his company. Joyce writes, “It was pleasant after that honor to return to the profane world of spectators amid nudges and significant looks. Then as to money—he really had a great sum under his control” (Joyce, 2006, p. 45).

The story portrays Jimmy as obsessed with his presentation, convincing himself that he belongs with his fellow passengers. On the other hand, Lenehan fully acknowledges the complications in his life—his desire for a stable job and family. His meal of ginger beer and peas allows him to contemplate his self-absorbed, lacking life spent with his partner Corley, engaging in thievery. However, Lenehan does not attempt to detach himself in any way; he does not swerve from the plan his partner has laid out and continues to follow Corley after their mission succeeds. Both characters’ personalities reveal that they are no closer to earning the life they desire. Furthermore, both characters’ personalities in the company of others significantly contrast with their personalities when alone.

Contrasting Personalities

Joyce illustrates, “Now that he was alone his face looked older. His gaiety seemed to forsake him and, as he came by the railings of the Duke’s Lawn, he allowed his hand to run along them” (Joyce, 2006, p. 62). Unlike the thoughtful, nimble personality he projects while alone, Lenehan feels the need to behave indifferently toward the waitress who serves him at the shop, speaking roughly and changing his body language to deny his “air of gentility.” His demeanor also changes around Corley, making conversation with clichéd responses and carefully chosen answers to avoid provoking his partner. Comparatively, Jimmy appears calculating yet remorseful when alone, constantly reflecting on his actions around others and being eluded by the amount of money he spends on unnecessary activities.

Although Jimmy pays homage to his father, who invested in his studies and business, he does not acknowledge that his father fostered his entire lifestyle, providing him with a prestigious education and great connections. Without his father in his life, Jimmy would have been left quite alone, even less satisfied with his life than he already claims to be. Lenehan and Jimmy Doyle further confirm that fulfillment is not achieved by adopting a different personality. Both characters have moments of revelation where they realize they cannot change their lives and will likely never be able to live their dreams. They subconsciously accept that their ways of life are the only ways to get by—after all, money is the ultimate reward and desire for them.

Resignation to Fate

For Lenehan, all thoughts of living a different kind of life are pushed away when Corley returns successful from their mission with the gold coin, as he is no less guilty of thievery than his partner. On the other side, Jimmy feels remorseful after rapidly losing a game of cards, knowing he would feel regret the next day. Joyce captures this sentiment: “He knew that he would regret in the morning but at present he was glad of the rest, glad of the dark stupor that would cover up his folly. He leaned his elbows on the table and rested his head between his hands, counting the beats of his temples. The cabin door opened, and he saw the Hungarian standing in a shaft of grey light: ‘Daybreak, gentlemen!’” (Joyce, 2006, p. 78). Ironically, the next day arrives soon after. Jimmy accepts the life he has taken on, knowing he would continue having to live up to someone he could not be.

Conclusion

Both characters lead depraved lives and have few plans for their futures, and nothing but making money gives them hope. In the short stories “After the Race” and “Two Gallants,” Lenehan and Jimmy’s desire for fulfillment is never appeased—both realize they have delved too far into their respective lives to change their paths. Lenehan would never be able to escape his life of schemes, thievery, and lies; Jimmy would never fit in with the upper-class men due to his sheltered upbringing by his father. Although they lead significantly different lifestyles and are two contrasting characters, Jimmy and Lenehan fit into the archetype of desiring more than they can afford and never feeling fulfilled by the lives they lead.

References

Joyce, J. (2006). The Dubliners. Penguin Classics.