close
test_template

James Joyce’s Representation of Love in Araby

download print

About this sample

About this sample

close

Words: 540 |

Page: 1|

3 min read

Published: Apr 11, 2022

Words: 540|Page: 1|3 min read

Published: Apr 11, 2022

What is love? Love is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as a feeling or disposition of deep affection or fondness for someone. Love is an emotion that we as humans want to pursue and eventually fulfil. James Joyce disagreed with this perception through his short story “Araby”. Araby, represents love as a display of worthlessness which will inevitably lead to a lower quality of life. Joyce represents this idea through the protagonist’s human experiences and how they vary.

'Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned'?

Throughout the short story, Joyce leaves the narrator nameless; an adolescent Catholic schoolboy and his love interest “Magan’s sister”. By adopting this anonymity, the author removes the narrator’s self-identity and allows him to follow his shallow perception of love. Joyce sets the boy living in an oppressive and joyless environment, in which the narrator cannot detach himself from his dark surroundings, until he finds the girl to immerse himself into, distracting himself. Joyce demonstrates this through the narrator’s description of “Magans sister.” The visual image Joyce presents the reader is completely physical; “a lamp….. caught the white curve of her neck, lit up her hair that rested there”. This vivid imagery reflects the boy’s physical appreciation of only her exterior with utter disregard for her interior. This is displayed further through the symbolism of her vaguely fulfilling the shape of a lit lamp, highlighting his lack of knowledge concerning her personality. Thus, Joyce beings to demonstrate how the narrator allocates her personality traits through physical observations. Joyce critiques society, questioning why humans fall in love and are satisfied through aesthetics before any intimate personal connection.

To further enquire Joyce’s concern; the narrator questions his own motive through his journey. After by-passing obstacles to reach the market, and near to finishing his quest succeeding and finding love, he had a suddenly realised he was “a creature driven and derided by vanity”. He thinks of himself as a creature in the passive voice, shamed on the effect of the journey on his character. This anti-climactic ending throws the audience from their expectations forcing the reader to question their own pursuit of love and whether it is worth the sacrifice. Joyce challenges the belief of how love is fulfilling, pressing that it only acts as to isolate oneself from true friendships which will ultimately decrease the satisfaction and quality of life, asserting that the friendships are more important than love.

The beginning of the story the narrator reflects on the experiences that he shared with his friends, stating how “their shouts echoed in the silent street”. The use silence, highlights the absence of noise evoking the accustomed idea of silence equals fear and loneliness. However, Joyce draws attention to how their shouts filled the empty space, and the important role of friendships and how they can overcome difficult emotional challenges.

Get a custom paper now from our expert writers.

Joyce dismisses the belief that love is fulfilling, and expresses how the journey of love will lead to pain, self-issolation and the less of the important friendships. Through anonymities, vivid imagery, imagery, contrast and symbolism the author is able to express his doubts about love. Joyce adds that the pain produced through the journey to find love is often worthless and unfulfilling, due to the anti-climactic ending. To this he asks the question is love really worth it?  

Image of Dr. Charlotte Jacobson
This essay was reviewed by
Dr. Charlotte Jacobson

Cite this Essay

James Joyce’s Representation Of Love In Araby. (2022, April 11). GradesFixer. Retrieved March 29, 2024, from https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/james-joyces-representation-of-love-in-araby/
“James Joyce’s Representation Of Love In Araby.” GradesFixer, 11 Apr. 2022, gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/james-joyces-representation-of-love-in-araby/
James Joyce’s Representation Of Love In Araby. [online]. Available at: <https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/james-joyces-representation-of-love-in-araby/> [Accessed 29 Mar. 2024].
James Joyce’s Representation Of Love In Araby [Internet]. GradesFixer. 2022 Apr 11 [cited 2024 Mar 29]. Available from: https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/james-joyces-representation-of-love-in-araby/
copy
Keep in mind: This sample was shared by another student.
  • 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
  • Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours
Write my essay

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

close

Where do you want us to send this sample?

    By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

    close

    Be careful. This essay is not unique

    This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

    Download this Sample

    Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

    close

    Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

    close

    Thanks!

    Please check your inbox.

    We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

    clock-banner-side

    Get Your
    Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

    exit-popup-close
    We can help you get a better grade and deliver your task on time!
    • Instructions Followed To The Letter
    • Deadlines Met At Every Stage
    • Unique And Plagiarism Free
    Order your paper now