Symbolism In Eveline, By Joyce's 'Eveline'

In the beginning of the short story, Eveline, “look[ing] around the room, reviewing all its familiar objects which she dusted once a week for many years” exemplified how she was too busy to tend to most of the household chores because she is occupied managing and taking care of others (Joyce, par. 1). Eveline ponders on what life would be like to never again see those familiar objects. She has become one of the many products in her home to never change. Eveline now has the responsibilities that her mother once had but, is afraid that she too might live a sad life and die lonely if she stays in Dublin. Eveline sits in the window thinking about her childhood with “her nostrils [filling with] the odor of dusty cretonne” (par. 2). The dust symbolizes

Thinking back on her past, she realizes that she is one of the only ones from her childhood left in Dublin. The window is an emphasis on Eveline’s emotions and her life growing up, always on the inside looking out. Eveline sitting near the window “watching the evening invade the avenue” symbolizes her reflection on her happy childhood and her also having to make a life changing decision (Joyce, par. 1). Metaphorically, the use of the word “invade” personifies the evening, giving a sense of intruding or imprisonment. Joyce’s use of this technique suggests that Eveline is afraid and threatened by the outside

The name Eveline, meaning “life” in Hebrew, which is “little, or small, Eve” signifies more than just a name. James Joyce purposely gives the name “Eveline” to this particular character in reference to her life because of her very little personal independence, limited by her father’s abuse. Eveline conveys biblical relations to Eve simply because they both hold influence in seducing their lovers. Unfortunately, their desire for presence in paradise is cut short with “[their] ‘expulsion’ [taking] the inverted form of not being able to carry out [their] project of freedom. [They are] expelled from a place [they have] never managed to reach” (Velloso Fernandes de Tolentino, par. 16). Eveline is dismissed from her chance to experience paradise, moving to Buenos Aires with Frank, demonstrating her dislocation as a young