Comparing Power In Eveline, Stor. Duchess, And Trifles

One can be taken as a captive by a controlling, possessive force. “Her eyes gave him no sign of love

or farewell or recognition” (Joyce 6). The power of fear seized this young woman to the point of losing

her potentially only chance of freedom. “When the doctors came they said she had died of heart

disease – of joy that kills” (Chopin 236). Confinement in her marriage led this woman to her death, but

freed her soul from her husband. “Much the same smile? This grew; I gave commands; Then all smiles

stopped together” (Browning 575). Jealousy drove a husband to confining his wife to a portrait, but

freeing her from his control. One can see the theme of power in relation to freedom and confinement

through these works: “Eveline” by James Joyce, “The

In “Eveline” by James Joyce, the theme of power in relation to freedom and confinement is

expressed. The protagonist of this short story, Eveline, is deeply confined in her heart. Her dying

mother’s last wish to her daughter was, “to keep the home together as long as she could” (Joyce 5).

Eveline out of love for her mother kept her promise, despite the hardship. Eveline’s own fears confine

her as Frank, her husband-to-be, leaves leaves on the boat without her. She feared he was, “drawing her

into them: he would drown her” (Joyce 6). Her fears confined her to the extent of losing her potentially

only chance of freedom. Eveline longs to be free and feels as if she has a right to happiness (Joyce 5).

As such, Frank is her key to freedom. During the times Eveline is with him, she admits she feels free.

The effects of power are displayed in Eveline when is about to depart with Frank. Guilt in breaking her

promise to her mother, love for her abusive father, and fear of Frank drowning her all play into the

effects of power.

In “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin, the theme of power in accordance to freedom