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.

Eveline's life is marked by hardship and responsibility. After her mother's death, she assumes the role of caretaker for her family. Her father's abusive behavior and financial control add to her burdens. Despite this, Eveline feels bound by a promise to her dying mother to "keep the home together." This promise becomes a chain, preventing her from pursuing her own happiness. Eveline's sense of duty to her family outweighs her desire to escape, illustrating the powerful hold of familial obligations.

The influence of the Catholic Church and societal expectations further complicate Eveline's decision. In early 20th-century Ireland, a woman's role was largely defined by her family duties and adherence to religious norms. Eveline's fear of committing a mortal sin by leaving with Frank, possibly without marriage, reflects the moral constraints imposed by the Church. Her internal conflict is exacerbated by these external pressures, leaving her paralyzed and unable to act on her desires.

Joyce's portrayal of Eveline's paralysis underscores the theme of duty as a form of entrapment. The story begins and ends with Eveline in a passive state, unable to change her circumstances. She is depicted as a spectator in her own life, watching the world through a window, and ultimately, she remains "like a helpless animal," unable to break free from her obligations. This cyclical structure emphasizes the theme of paralysis, as Eveline's duty to her family keeps her trapped in a life of mediocrity and unhappiness.

The societal and religious influences in "Eveline" highlight the limited agency of women in Joyce's Ireland. Eveline's final decision to stay with her family, despite the potential for a better life with Frank, reflects the powerful grip of duty and tradition. Joyce uses Eveline's story to critique the societal norms that confine individuals, urging readers to recognize the dangers of allowing duty to overshadow personal fulfillment.