James Joyce: Short Stories Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

James Joyce: Short Stories Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

The death of Father Flynn

The death of Father Flynn in 'The Sisters' symbolizes hopelessness for the young boy who was looking forward to becoming a priest. The priest had started teaching the young boy the Latin language, which the priests commonly use. The relationship between the priest and the young boy was growing every day. However, when the priest died, the boy became hopeless because he knew that his dream of becoming a priest had also died.

Exploration

The two pupils who escape from classes to explore Dublin City symbolize adventure. The narrator and his friend Mahony in 'An Encounter' are bored from attending regular classes, and they want to know the city better. Therefore, the narrator and his friends end up in the city's streets, and they are eager to know everything. However, the adventure becomes disastrous when they meet a stranger who introduces them to a sexual discussion. Fortunately, the boys manage to escape before the stranger harms them.

The symbolism of love

The young boy’s advances towards Mangan’s sister in the story ‘Araby’ symbolize love. The young boy and Mangan are friends and neighbors who play together. One day, the young boy feels attracted to Mangan’s sister when he sees her. He follows the girls but fails to strike a conversation. One day, the young boy manages to talk with the girl, and they arrange to meet at Araby, a bazaar shop. The boy decides to buy the young girl, but his dream never actualizes.

Update this section!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this section.

Update this section

After you claim a section you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.