Character Analysis Of Eveline - 1123 Words

James Joyce’s Eveline is a story of a woman dealing with the decision to stay at home with her father and the children she cares for while enduring abuse, or going out across the sea with her boyfriend Frank, who wishes to make Eveline his wife. Although Eveline s father had caused her strife through his abusiveness, she reflects on a time when she was younger and her mother was still alive and he was not that way. Eveline wonders what what they would say about her in the stores if she were to go with Frank. Leading me to believe that she cares what other people’s opinions are of her. Throughout much of the story Eveline sits by a windowsill pondering her decision and reflecting on her childhood. Did she want to live as her mother did†¦show more content†¦Eveline reveals that they had been happier at that time, even that â€Å"her father was not that bad then†(Joyce) insinuating that her father developed his abusive nature after her siblings had left and her mother had passed. Eveline cares about the things that people say about her: â€Å"what would they say of her in the stores when they found out she had run away with a fellow?†(Joyce) clearly the thoughts of others has an effect on her decision of whether to leave home or not. What one would assume is her boss, Miss Gavin, is someone who had an edge on her, especially whenever there were people listening.†(Joyce) The lack of respect does not just come from the people at the stores, but it comes at home from her father as well: â€Å"She is caught in a death trap, doomed by by paralysis of will born of timidity and a mistaken sense of obligation.†(Walzl 225) this brings to light that Eveline is indeed trapped by her father’s manipulative methods of keeping her in his home. Her being concerned about what her father may think of her if she is to leave with Frank must also be weighing heavily on Eveline’s mind. Eveline’s father has not been exactly supportive nor has ever instilled much faith in Eveline. In fact, he makes her give him her wages, â€Å"he said she used to squander the money, that she had no head†(Joyce) Eveline’s father did not think highly of her at all. That begs the question of why would she stay and put up with such demeaning actions? Why would Eveline putShow MoreRelatedEssay about Character Analysis of James Joyce Eveline1432 Words   |  6 PagesNick Tomlinson English 122 Ms. Purvis An Analysis of a Promise The short story written by James Joyce â€Å"Eveline† is about a young lady who lives her life in a promise. The promise is to her mother, who had passed away, that no matter how bad the family became, she would always keep it together. At a significant point in Eveline’s life, she was given the opportunity to leave the family and start a family of her own. Although Eveline is miserable with her life, she runs from Frank with no loveRead MoreEveline1643 Words   |  7 PagesIn â€Å"Eveline,† James Joyce uses the juxtaposition of the ever-changing setting and the unchanging stoic character of Eveline in order to exemplify the character’s reluctance and inability to move forward. James Joyce is known for his juxtaposition of light and dark throughout his short stories, specifically in his story â€Å"Araby.† I would argue that Joyce is using the contrast of opposing forces described above between the setting and the character in a similar way a s he was light and dark. â€Å"Araby†Read More The Theme of Escape in James Joyce’s Dubliners Essay1073 Words   |  5 PagesJoyce’s Dubliners, the theme of escape tends to be a trend when characters are faced with critical decisions. Joyce’s novel presents a bleak and dark view of Ireland; his intentions by writing this novel are to illustrate people’s reasons to flee Ireland. 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