Archetypes in The Dubliners

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

Contrasting Aspirations

Although he 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. Looking at the lives of Jimmy Doyle and Lenehan from an archetypal and symbolic approach, both characters are archetypes of characters who have not met the fulfillment they desire in their problematic lives. Overcome by remorse, Jimmy and Lenehan avoid their problems and overlook them. Jimmy, who lives a life of feigned wealth and fakeness, chooses to immerse himself with his riches although he is always aware of his reality. He gushes of the experience of riding the French car, and often thinks about his status and reputation of his company. “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).

The Illusion of Wealth

The story paints Jimmy to be obsessed with his presentation, convincing himself that he belongs with his fellow passengers. On the other hand, Lenehan completely acknowledged the complications in his life - of wanting a stable job and family. His meal of ginger beer and peas allowed 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. The personalities of both characters show that they are nowhere closer to earning the life they desired. Furthermore, both characters’ personalities in the company of others significantly contrasts their personalities when alone.

The Masks We Wear

“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). 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 keep from provoking his partner. Comparatively, Jimmy appears to be 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.

Parental Influence

Although he pays homage to his father who invested in his studies and business, he does not give attention to the fact that his father fostered his entire lifestyle, providing him with 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 fulfilment is not achieved by putting up a different personality. Jimmy Doyle and Lenehan both have moments of revelation where they realize they cannot change their lives and will likely never be able to live their dreams. They both 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.

The Weight of Regret

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, since he is no less guilty of thievery than his partner. On the other side, Jimmy feels remorseful after rapidly losing to a game of cards, knowing he would feel regret the next day; “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). Ironically, the next day arrives soon after. Jimmy accepts the life he has taken on, and that he would continue having to live up to someone he could not be.

Paths Unchanged

Both characters lead depraved lives and have few plans for their futures, and nothing but making money gives them hope. 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 from 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.