Dubliners by James Joyce

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There is always hope that maybe one day one can escape far away from problems and be free for once. Eveline’ story from Dubliners by James Joyce, conveys the downside of holding on to the past when looking for a better future. Eveline is a young woman who is thinking about a new life away from a violent father and an unfortunate life. In the short story, Eveline plans to go away with Frank to Buenos Ayres, but Eveline fails to join him while remembering her promises she made to her mother. Joyce utilizes foreshadowing and symbolism to display how holding on to the past makes it impossible for someone to move forward. Eveline gives hints throughout the story about her final decision of living to Argentina. Eveline begins by a remembering positive moments as a child, but returns to the present and realizes how miserable her life is. Her father was always violent towards her, and even though she would work hard for a couple of shillings. When Eveline decides to run away, positive memories begin to rise. She begins remembering her father taking care of her, the promise she made her mother, and the fear of leaving the place she calls home. Eveline feels relief upon leaving her miserable life, yet at the next moment she begins to worry about leaving her father alone at his old age, “Her father was becoming old lately, she noticed; he would miss her. Sometimes he could be very nice.” Here we an instance where she begins to second guess her decision. She begins to worry about the rest, and forgets of what she truly wants. Eveline seems to eliminate the undesired memories, and hold on to the more pleasant and caring memories her father gave her and begins to worry about other people would do without her. Aside from the pity toward... ... middle of paper ... ...e does not fear Frank, nor does she think he will drown her, but rather, she fears the idea of a new life at an unknown world. Symbols in Eveline allows the reader to know why Eveline does not want to leave her home due to the hold on to positive memories and the fear on what to expect from the new life. Eveline’s story displays the need to get away in hopes of a better future, but instead of the perfect “forever after” ending, Eveline decides to stay at the place she knows as home. Joyce conveys Eveline’s emotions and the reason behind her decision by the usage of foreshadowing and symbolism. Even though Eveline had more than enough reasons to escape, she did not have the necessary courage and the sufficient excuses. It is uncertain what the main reason of her decision was, but it is certain that it is not one solid reason, but rather a mixture of ideas.

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