Araby By James Joyce Literary Analysis

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In his short story “Araby”, James Joyce tells a story of a young boy’s infatuation with his friend’s sister, Mangan, and the issues that arise which ultimately extinguish his love for her. In his first struggle, the narrator admires Mangan’s outer beauty, however, “her name was like a summons to all his blood,” which made him embarrassed to talk with her (Joyce 318). Every day he would look under a curtain in the room and wait for her to walk outside so he could follow her to school, but then he would simply walk quickly by and never say anything to her (Joyce 318). In addition to his inability to share his feelings with Mangan, the boy allows difficulties to get in the way of his feelings for her. After struggling to get his uncle’s permission …show more content…

First, the narrator fails to practice selflessness in his pursuit of Mangan’s love. Although his intentions to go to the bazaar to bring back a gift for Mangan initially seem admirable, the entire time the narrator seems excited that he finally found a way to gain Mangan’s love and praise for himself. Instead of letting Mangan’s happiness upon receiving the gift motivate him, he lets other selfish thoughts stimulate him. Likewise, individuals pursuing loving relationships can fall to their selfishness, which can cause the whole foundation of love to crumble beneath them. In addition, the main character fails to stand up for his love when discouraging situations arise. Whenever his experience at the bazaar does not turn out pleasantly for him, the narrator, in a fit of emotional turmoil, blames Mangan for his disappointment. Then, he simply sets aside his feelings of love for her and does not put any more effort into fixing the situation. Just like the narrator gives up hope in his love for Mangan during his situation at the bazaar, people often fail in their relationships because they give up during the storms they …show more content…

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 states that “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres…. Love never fails” (1 Cor 13:4-8 NIV). Whenever two people truly love each other, they will genuinely show the traits of patience, endurance, selflessness, and forgiveness with each other and their relationship will be fruitful. On the other hand, when people do not possess these qualities, just like the author demonstrated, their relationships will suffer. If people seek a happiness and fickle love based on selfishness, as the narrator did, they will find disappointment because their love is not the unselfish and persistent love described in 1 Corinthians. However, if an enduring love is given freely and selflessly, it can become the foundation to a happy and successful

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