How does Joyce develop this theme of paralysis in "Eveline"?

Eveline's plan to build a better life in a foreign country is thwarted by her jealous coworkers.

Eveline longs to escape from Dublin, but she cannot bring herself to leave her familiar surroundings.

Eveline's father, who refuses to listen to any new ideas, loses the use of his right arm after a stroke.

Frank cannot bring himself to believe in Eveline's dream of building a better life together in a foreign country.

Question

Jaydon Cabrera

English

3 October, 20:18

How does Joyce develop this theme of paralysis in "Eveline"?

Eveline's plan to build a better life in a foreign country is thwarted by her jealous coworkers.

Eveline longs to escape from Dublin, but she cannot bring herself to leave her familiar surroundings.

Eveline's father, who refuses to listen to any new ideas, loses the use of his right arm after a stroke.

Frank cannot bring himself to believe in Eveline's dream of building a better life together in a foreign country.

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Answers (1)

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Matthew Boyer · Answer 1

Joyce develops the themes of paralysis and the desire to escape via the protagonists' experiences in Eveline and Little Cloud. Confronted with the opportunity to escape Dublin, Eveline is unable to board the ferry because she is paralyzed by memories of her past and home.

Explanation:

"I take the theme of 'Eveline' to be one of Joyce's key preoccupations, the idea of paralysis, our inability to break out of situations that have become home for us, even when those situations are unpleasant or worse. Most of the story is taken up with Eveline's reflections and her attempts to balance her decision"