Symbolism In Araby, by James Joyce

James Joyce:

Symbols of Religion in his short story Araby

Alongside the dawn of the twentieth century appeared an author by the name of James Joyce. Joyce introduced the idea that language can be manipulated and transformed into a new original meaning. 'Some critics considered the work a masterpiece, though many readers found it incomprehensible' (The Literature 1). Joyce’s stories were not welcomed with open, inviting arms; instead they were undesired by publishers and his books were immensely misunderstood by the majority who gave them a glance. “Ulysses was barred from the United States as obscene for 15 years, and was seized by U.S Postal Authorities in 1918 and 1930” (Ockerbloom 1). “He has no conception of the word obedience, and he bends the knee neither to God nor man” (Collins 1). James Joyce depicted his rebellious view about the Catholic Church in his writing particularly in the story “Araby”.

Joyce through his writings displayed mockery and a straightforward rebellion against the church and their beliefs. But surprisingly Joyce was introduced to the ideas of religion at an early age. At the age of six he began his religion enlightenment as he attended Clongowes Wood College whom emphasized Jesuit beliefs. During this time in Joyce’s life he was picked on by the other students attending this college. In one incident “A boy had snatched his glasses and stood on them but a priest believed that Joyce had done it himself to avoid lessons and gave him a ‘pandying’” (O'Brien 1). Events like this were probably the fuel to the fire of his dislike towards religion. “The Jesuits he called in his adult life a ‘heartless order that bears the name of Jesus by antiphrasis’” (O'Brien 1). Later, at around eleven years old, he transferred over to the Belvedere College in Dublin. (Ebook 1) After his graduation at Dublin he determined that he knew an adequate amount of of the Jesuit religion, he officially rejected it (Gray 1). “After some religious experiences he lost his faith, then his patriotism, and held up those with whom he formerly worshipped to ridicule, and his country and her aspirations to contempt” (Collins 1). “Joyce was a humanist. A Renaissance man. Man is the center. God is in man. Anyone who looks elsewhere is just an ignorant sheep” (Sheila 1).

Joyce’s dislike towards religion was blatantly demonstrated in his story ‘Araby’. Although Araby is obviously a story about an adolescent boy infatuation with a friend’s sister; a more in depth look can reveal an obscure theme.