The Sisters
1. Discuss the concept of paralysis as it relates to as many characters in the story as applicable.

2. The boy says that the word “paralysis”…”filled me with fear, and yet I longed to be nearer to it and to look upon its deadly work.” If the boy fears the concept of paralysis, how do you interpret his fascination with it?

An Encounter
1. The narrator says that Leo Dillon’s pudgy face “awakened one of my consciences.” How do you interpret the fact that he has more than one conscience?

2. In what ways are the situations of this narrator and the narrator in “The Sisters” similar? In what ways are they different?

Araby
1. The narrator is bitterly disappointed at the end of the story. Do you believe he has “set himself up” for this disappointment, or did external events cause this to happen? Explain.

2. Bearing in mind the narrator’s disappointment at the story’s end, might anything positive arise from this painful revelation? Elaborate on what you feel might be the consequences.

Eveline
1. Discuss the parallels and differences between Frank’s role in Eveline’s life and her father’s role.

2. Joyce juxtaposes an image of the mother’s final delirium and Eveline’s concept of “escape.” Discuss why these two images are next to one another in the story.

After the Race
1. Explain the parallel relationship(s) between Jimmy’s heavy gambling losses, his ambiguous investment, and his father’s support of that investment.

2. Interpret the line during the young men’s “merriment” when the author tells us: “Jimmy took his part with a will; this was seeing life, at least!”

Two Gallants
1. Joyce’s description of Corley is overly male or macho, while Lenehan seems more effeminate. What is the meaning of this polarity among the two friends?

2. What attitude does Lenehan demonstrate throughout the story regarding Corley’s abuses of women? Does he approve, disapprove, or is he torn? Explain his emotional stance.

The Boarding House
1. Discuss the ironic parallels between Mrs. Mooney’s marital situation (as a young woman) and her daughter’s current situation.

2. Waiting for Mrs. Mooney’s demand, Bob thinks to himself: “Perhaps they could be happy together….” Considering the situation, prognosticate the likelihood of a successful marriage between Polly and Bob Doran.

A Little Cloud
1. How is Little’s situation similar to that experienced by the narrator in “Araby”?

2. Explain the significance of Little’s relationship to his wife as portrayed at the end of the story. What is the meaning of the episode with her blouse, and what does it say about Little’s relationship to her? To women in general?

Counterparts
1. Discuss the ultimate cost of Farrington’s witty retort to his boss.

2. Draw the parallels between Little Chandler’s circumstances and Farrington’s. Why has Joyce juxtaposed their stories?

Clay
1. How does Maria’s attitude compare with Eveline’s? Does either of the characters stand a chance at happiness?

2. Maria is a good person but not a balanced one. How (if at all) do her good intentions mitigate the degree to which her life is distorted?

A Painful Case
1. Compare and contrast the life Maria is living (in “Clay”) to that of James Duffy’s.

2. After he learns of Emily’s death, Duffy goes out and orders a “hot punch” (an alcoholic drink). Do you interpret this as a positive or negative sign about his ability to improve and change his life?

Ivy Day in the Committee Room
1. What is ironic in Hyne’s poem about the line: “For he lies dead whom the fell gang/Of modern hypocrites laid low”?

2. Comment on the last line of Hynes’ poem in which he refers to the “One grief—the memory of Parnell.” How does this relate to the characters in the story and their attitude(s)?

A Mother
1. Compare and contrast Mrs. Kearney and her situation to Mrs. Mooney (“The Boarding House”) and hers.

2. Comment on the role Irish culture does (or does not) play in this story.

Grace
1. Compare and contrast the figure of the priest in “The Sisters” and in “Grace.”

2. Discuss the use of irony as it applies to all the men in this story. (Kernan’s friends, the priest, and Kernan himself)

The Dead
1. How does Gabriel’s inadequacy and discomfort with his surroundings compare and contrast with that of James Duffy’s (“A Painful Case”)?

2. Gabriel longs to write, think, and even paint expressively, reminding us of Little Chandler (“A Little Cloud”). How are the two similar? Different?

3. Discuss the many ironies presented in Gabriel’s toast to his two aunts and cousin.

4. Compare the circumstances of Gabriel’s life and aspirations to those of Little Chandler in “A Little Cloud.”