In the short story “Eveline” by James Joyce, Joyce depicts a relationship between a father and daughter whom have not only experienced heartache
In the short story “Eveline” by James Joyce, Joyce depicts a relationship between a father and daughter whom have not only experienced heartache
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In the short story “Eveline” by James Joyce, Joyce depicts a relationship between a father and daughter whom have not only experienced heartache, but happiness, devastation, and pain. Eveline, the daughter, cares for her father and tends to the needs of the house/ family but is often verbally abused by her father. “…but latterly he had begun to threaten her and say what he would do to her only for her dead mother’s sake.” (Page 620 lines 21-23). Her mother died when younger, therefore Eveline had taken over as the primary house/ family caretaker. Father still worked and supplied money/ “bread” but obviously was suffering from the loss of his loved one, his soulmate; while carrying the burden of a heartbroken family needing to continue within the solitude of their home town, reminded of what used to be and what has come from the disasters.
Eveline’s role in the family is crucial and contributes largely to her “paralysis” because of “…her promise to her mother…” (page 622, line 5-7). Starring out the window this entire morning/ day, Eveline was thinking back on years of memories, development, and dedication. Promise. She was embraced by the reminiscent smell of the same day her mother passed, remembering the promise she made to her on her deathbed: to maintain the house as long as she could, and Eveline had. Eveline felt like there was no one left to protect her, (page 620 line 24), so she needed to break free and live a romantic fantasy with Frank in Buenos Aires; she deserved that. The “paralysis” takes over at the docking station when Evelin is overwhelmed with emotion and decides to leave her fantasy as a dream, letting Frank board the boat and she stay stuck, “Her eyes gave him no sign of love or farewell or recognition.” (Last line in the short story). Don’t be mistaken, Eveline’s “paralysis” takes place throughout the entire story. In the beginning we read to find out her mother passed, and Eveline gave her mom a very heavy promise to stay in one place and maintain house/ family until dead. Now obviously my summation is brutal and abrupt but gets to the point; the point that Eveline felt that way and obligated, her mind and father trapping her into guilty abuse. Her mom wanted the best for Eveline and maybe would’ve wanted her to go with Frank. Not sure how “lenient” and willing moms were in the end of the 1800’s early 1900’s, but maybe that would’ve been better financially on the family. Eveline felt stuck and feared her father, so she stayed home, another sign of her “paralysis” coming through. No Buenos Aires, and probably no more Frank.
2)
On page two of the short story “The Dead” by James Joyce we are greeted by a young lassie named Lily, caretakers daughter, and Kate and Julia’s Nephew Gabriel whom seems to be making small talk. He asked first if she was going to school and she politely states not anymore or again, which leads him into the second question, getting married to a lucky man, but this seems to aggravate Lily. She states, “The men that is now is only all palaver and what they can get out of you.” (Page 624 line 37-42). Gabriel had felt he had made a mistake by his choice of words and that is because Lily’s language/ tone, and guarantee of body language combined, told him she was more than likely heart broken and mad, upset with men, and herself. This must have been a fresh wound or first love, but she may have been too young and therefore could not speak about it, could not continue it, also be taking advantage of if so too young? I also think Gabriel is a very nice gentlemen, showing chivalry and respect throughout the short story. For example, on page 627 around lines 13-14, Gabriel is asked to check in on Freddy because he is a drunk and the Aunts are worried for his behavior and demeanor. Of course, Gabe walks with him and gauges Freddy’s intoxication and overall, he is a-ok.
I really want to reflect on the ending of the short story because it displays the beauty Gabriel holds for his wife, Gretta, which I think in-turn reflects the type of man he is and why he felt discomfited earlier with Lily. From pages 647 to mid-page 649, Gabriel fantasizes about what could happen in their hotel room, even on the streets waiting for a cab, even in the cab! He is in love with his wife and misses her. He misses being intimate and affectionate, connecting with her on a soul-like level, providing her some happiness she seems to be missing. He loves her.
4th paragraph, line 1 and 2, page 653, “Generous tears filled Gabriel’s eyes. He had never felt like that himself towards any woman, but he knew that such a feeling must be love.” This man, just hearing his wife had lived with a secret of pain and love their entire relationship contemplated never being husband and wife and saddened. He loved her and would take care of her, he would love her tremendously until the day he couldn’t, just like the promise Eveline made to her mother.
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Indeed, Eveline’s ‘paralysis’ did not start with the departure of Frank. Eveline’s life has always been ‘paralyzed’ with the death of her mother and having to replace her in taking care of the home. Her father meets financial needs of the family but occasionally abuses her, and she has to bear her own pain and that of her father for the demise of his wife…………………….