BBS Second Year English: Summary and Analysis of James Joyce’s Eveline
Summary of Eveline
Eveline is a short story from James Joyce’s Dubliners. The story follows Eveline, a 19-year-old girl who lives in Dublin with her strict and abusive father. Her mother has passed away, and Eveline carries the heavy responsibility of running the household. She has two brothers: Harry, who is often away on business trips, and Ernest, who has died.
Eveline works in a shop, but her life feels dull and suffocating. Her father spends money on drinking and rarely supports the family. In this difficult situation, Eveline dreams of escaping her poverty and sadness. She plans to leave Dublin with her secret lover, Frank, a sailor who wants to take her to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
However, when Eveline is about to board the ship, she suddenly changes her mind. Fear, memories of her late mother, and her attachment to Dublin stop her. She silently chooses to stay behind, leaving Frank without explanation.
Theme of Eveline
The story reflects James Joyce’s idea of the “paralysis of Ireland.” Paralysis means people cannot move forward with their lives. They feel trapped by the past, tradition, and responsibilities. Eveline’s decision to stay in Dublin shows this paralysis.
Although she desires freedom and a better future, Eveline cannot let go of her home, family, and memories. Her choice represents the struggle of Dubliners who long for change but cannot escape the weight of their past.
Why Does Eveline Stay?
Eveline stays in Dublin instead of leaving with Frank because of:
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Nostalgia for her homeland and birthplace
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Strong responsibilities toward her father and brother
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Emotional attachment to Dublin
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Deep memory of her dead brother Ernest
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Fear of change and uncertainty about the future
Central Idea
Eveline shows the conflict between duty and desire, tradition and freedom. Joyce presents human life as uncertain, ambiguous, and often controlled by the past. The story highlights how fear and responsibility can hold people back from pursuing happiness.
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