No Woman's Land: Misogyny in Ireland

In James Joyce's short story "The Dead," the character Gabriel embodies a pretentious and misogynistic attitude, reflecting the societal norms of early 20th-century Ireland. Through Gabriel's wealth, education, and perceived superiority over women, Joyce critiques the traditional male dominance in society. Gabriel's need for constant validation from women highlights his fragile ego, which he attempts to bolster through his intellect and financial status. This essay will explore how Joyce contrasts Gabriel with strong female characters, critiques misogyny, and ultimately foreshadows the tragic consequences of such attitudes.

Gabriel's Humiliation of Women

Throughout "The Dead," Gabriel exhibits numerous instances of humiliating women, showcasing Joyce's critique of male behavior during this period. By presenting assertive and independent female characters, Joyce defamiliarizes the submissive archetype and emphasizes Gabriel's discomfort in their presence. For instance, when Gabriel encounters Lily, a young servant girl, he inquires about her marital prospects. Lily's blunt response, “The men that is now is only all palaver and what they can get out of you,” reveals her unwillingness to conform to traditional expectations of femininity (2284). Gabriel's embarrassment in this situation illustrates his need to maintain control, as seen when he "coloured as if he felt he has made a mistake" (2284). This moment serves as a critical turning point, highlighting his inability to cope with assertive women.

Wealth as a Tool for Control

Joyce further critiques Gabriel's character by showcasing how he uses his wealth to exert control over women. After Lily's forthright response, Gabriel attempts to regain authority by offering her "Christmas Money." This act underscores his belief that financial power can compensate for his inadequacies. However, even after distancing himself from Lily, the impact of her honesty lingers: "He was still discomposed by the girl’s bitter and sudden retort" (2285). This reaction reveals how rare it is for women to speak candidly in Gabriel's world, exposing the fragility of his superiority complex. Joyce’s portrayal of this interaction serves to challenge the patriarchal norms of the time, prompting readers to recognize the absurdity of Gabriel's attitudes.

The Illusion of Superior Education

Gabriel's education is another aspect he uses to justify his perceived superiority. Joyce juxtaposes Gabriel with Mrs. Ivors, a well-educated woman who challenges his assumptions. During their conversation, Mrs. Ivors confronts Gabriel about his role as a writer for the Daily Express, a British publication, asking, “Aren’t you ashamed of yourself?” (2290). Gabriel’s inability to respond confidently reveals his discomfort in the presence of an equally educated woman. His flustered reaction—“Why should I be ashamed of myself?”—demonstrates how his ego is threatened by Mrs. Ivors’ assertiveness. Joyce uses this encounter to further critique the male ego and its fragile nature when faced with empowered women.

The Fragility of Masculine Ego

Through Gabriel's interactions with women, Joyce provides insight into the thought processes of a misogynist. As the story progresses, Gabriel’s ego is only soothed by Mrs. Ivors's disinterest in power dynamics: “Gabriel felt more at ease” (2290). This moment emphasizes Joyce’s objective to redefine women's roles in society by highlighting Gabriel's constant need for control. His discomfort around assertive women underscores the fragility of the male ego, a theme Joyce explores throughout the narrative.

Gabriel's Idealization of Gretta

Gabriel's affection for his wife, Gretta, is rooted in her perceived inferiority, which he idealizes. After the party, he reflects on Gretta, noting how “she was walking on before him so lightly and so erect” (2305). This description highlights his fixation on her physicality rather than her individuality. Gabriel’s longing to “defend her” further illustrates how he romanticizes her fragility, viewing her as a delicate figure in need of protection (2305). This dynamic reflects a broader critique of how men often perceive women as objects rather than individuals with their own identities and strengths.

Foreshadowing Tragedy

Joyce skillfully employs foreshadowing to hint at the tragic consequences of Gabriel's attitudes. The earlier reference to Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" serves as a poignant reminder of the doomed nature of relationships built on unequal power dynamics. By invoking this classic narrative, Joyce emphasizes the inevitability of heartbreak and loss that accompanies Gabriel’s misogyny. The story ultimately culminates in the metaphorical "death" of love, as Gabriel’s inability to see Gretta as an equal leads to emotional estrangement.

Conclusion

Through Gabriel's interactions with strong female characters, Joyce critiques the misogynistic attitudes prevalent in early 20th-century Ireland. Gabriel's humiliating behavior, reliance on wealth for control, and idealization of Gretta all serve to highlight the detrimental effects of a patriarchal society. By juxtaposing Gabriel with assertive women, Joyce exposes the fragility of male ego and the absurdity of misogyny. Ultimately, "The Dead" serves as a powerful commentary on the need for gender equality, addressing issues that continue to resonate today.

Bibliography:

Joyce, James. “The Dead” The Norton Anthology of English Literature: Volume F: The Twentieth Century and After, edited by Jahan Ramazani and Jon Stallworthy, 9th ed., Norton, 2012, pp. 2282-2311.

MacCarthy, Catherine Phil. "A History of Irish Feminism: Past, Present and Future." The Irish Times. N.p., 27 Oct. 2015. Web. 22 Nov. 2016.