Eveline Themes

The three main themes in “Eveline” are escape, entrapment, and change.

  • Escape: Eveline longs to escape her home and her life in Dublin, but she is ultimately too afraid to take the plunge.
  • Entrapment: Eveline feels trapped by her responsibilities to her father and her job at the Stores.
  • Change: Eveline must decide whether to stay in Dublin or to leave with Frank for Buenos Aires.

Themes: All Themes

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

Themes: Societal expectations of women 

Eveline’s opportunities in life are almost entirely shaped by her position as a woman in her society. She lives with her father, who has a history of abusing the family, and faithfully surrenders her entire income to him. In return, she has to beg for enough money to do the grocery shopping each week for her family. Her father believes that she is frivolous and cannot be trusted to manage her meager allowance for the family’s needs appropriately....

(Read more)

Themes: Responsibility and opportunity

At nineteen years old, Eveline has been given a heavy responsibility. After losing a brother and her mother, she is expected to care for her household, including two young children. Eveline dutifully cleans the home, works to earn an income herself, and struggles to provide adequate provisions for the people who live in her home. She finds the work difficult but is compelled to fulfill the responsibilities expected of her.

But Eveline is afforded...

(Read more)

Themes: Family Duty

The theme of family duty is central to "Eveline" by James Joyce. Eveline is a young woman torn between her sense of obligation to her family and the possibility of a new life with Frank, a sailor. Her internal struggle reflects the societal and religious pressures that bind her to her current life, despite its hardships. Joyce uses Eveline's paralysis to highlight the constraints of duty and tradition that prevent personal happiness and growth.

(Read more)

Themes: Escape

The theme of escape in "Eveline" is central to the story, highlighting the protagonist's struggle between duty and the desire for freedom. Eveline is a young woman burdened by her responsibilities at home and oppressed by her abusive father. She dreams of escaping her dreary life in Dublin with her lover, Frank, who offers her a chance at a new beginning. However, Eveline's internal conflict and fear of the unknown ultimately prevent her from...

(Read more)

Expert Q&A

How does the word "invade" in this quote from Eveline relate to the story's theme?

The word "invade" in the quote from "Eveline" relates to the story's theme of paralysis and escape. Eveline's thoughts are invaded by hopes for a better future, but she is overwhelmed by her past and responsibilities, leading to her inability to escape. This invasion reflects her internal struggle and the theme of being trapped in a life of drudgery and unfulfilled potential.

What are key aspects of syntax and diction in "Eveline," and how do they relate to the mood, themes, and the final epiphany?

The syntax and diction of James Joyce's "Eveline" reflects the story's introspective turn. It utilizes a stream-of-consciousness style as it meanders along, following along with its protagonist's own internal narration. Joyce's use of grammatical structure reflects the abrupt changes of tangents that shape her internal narration. At the same time, as early as in the story's opening paragraph, his use of language helps to establish Eveline's passivity in her own life.

The theme of paralysis and its literary devices in "Eveline" from Dubliners by James Joyce

The theme of paralysis in "Eveline" is highlighted through literary devices such as imagery and symbolism. Joyce uses the image of Eveline frozen at the window and the dust symbolizing stagnation to depict her inability to move forward. Her internal conflict and repetitive life illustrate the paralyzing grip of her obligations and fears.

What are three ways James Joyce conveys a particular theme in "Eveline"?

James Joyce conveys the theme of paralysis in "Eveline" through Eveline's psychological struggles with personal, social, and religious pressures. First, her sense of duty to her mother and fear of her father highlight her servile nature, inhibiting her freedom. Second, her anxiety about exile and life in Buenos Aires with Frank reflects her internal conflict. Finally, her religious commitments and promises to her mother further immobilize her, illustrating her inability to escape her circumstances.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Next

Themes: Societal expectations of women 

Loading...