Introduction to The Dead by James Joyce
Learn The Dead by James Joyce in 35 Questions and Answers. These questions have covered the whole story including short answers of character description, themes, plot, symbolism, realism and critical analysis.
Table of Contents
In the short story, The Dead by James Joyce, what is the significance of Gabriel seeing himself in the mirror?
In this short story, Gabriel seeing himself in the mirror is symbolic. It represents self-confrontation and recognition of his emotional shallowness.
How does James Joyce manage to convey a sense of futility, the theme of an invalid life, in his short story ‘The Dead’?
James Joyce has managed the events and characters to convey a sense of futility and the theme of an invalid life. Through the character of Gabriel, his emotional hollowness, disconnection from others, and recognition of his character’s emptiness. The contrast between these characters, Gretta and Gabriel, is one example. And, the lovely party and snow are another example that represents the sense of futility and an invalid life.
What is the complaint Miss Ivor has about Gabriel? Why is she angry with Gabriel?
Miss Molly Ivor blames Gabriel as a West Briton for the reason that he pens for the “Daily Express”. And Gabriel is devoted to British rule in Ireland. Moreover, he chooses to vacation in Europe instead of Ireland.
What is the satirical symbolism in back of Aunt Julia’s singing “arrayed for the bridal”?
Aunt Julia’s singing “arrayed for the bridal” is ironic symbolism because Aunt Julia is an aged unmarried woman, and the theme of the song is youthful marriage and about a bride.
What techniques has Joyce used in his works? Just name the two of them.
James Joyce used the following techniques in his works:
- Stream of consciousness
- Epiphany (Suddenly become conscious of something)
Who is Miss Furlong in The Dead by James Joyce?
Miss Furlong is a young woman and a minor character attending the party. She is depicted for a short time in the dinner act. She creates a lively and social atmosphere.
What was the title of the first short stories collection by James Joyce, and when was it published?
Dubliners is the title of James Joyce’s first short story collection, and it was published in 1914.
Write the hosts names of the party in The Dead by James Joyce?
The party is hosted by two elderly sisters, Aunt Julia and Kate. Every year they invite family and friends to celebrate with food, music, and dancing.
Who is Gabriel Conroy?
Gabriel Conroy is a writer and university teacher, an elegant, educated, and, to some extent, proud. He is the main character in the short story and, the nephew of Morkan sisters.
What’s the setting of the story?
The story takes place at the Morkan sisters’ home in Dublin, Ireland, during a snowy evening in the early 20th century.
How does Gabriel feel about the party guests?
Gabriel feels a little above many of the guests. He thinks that they were unfashionable and simple.
Who is Miss Ivors, and what does she represent?
Miss Ivors is a guest at the party. She has a minor role in the short story. Miss Ivors accused Gabriel as the West British. She represents Irish nationalism and pride in Irish culture.
How does Gabriel respond to Miss Ivors’ criticism?
In response to Miss Ivors’ criticism, he laughed and tried to dismiss Ivors’ criticism in humor, but her words stuck in his mind.
What role does music play at the party in The Dead by James Joyce?
Music has played an important role in the party. It is central to evening and gathering. Music represents tradition and memory. It reveals the buried layers of the characters.
What happens when Gretta hears a song?
When Gretta hears the song “The Lass of Aughrim”, it reminds her of her youth. Her mood changed, and she became quiet and distant.
Who was Michael Furey?
Michael Furey is a young man. Who came to see Gretta in the rain, even when he was sick, before she left, shortly after, he passed away. Gretta thinks that he may have passed away because of his love for her.
How does Gabriel react to hearing about Michael Furey?
When Gabriel heard about Michael Furey, he was surprised and envious. He knows the fact that Greta once loved someone so sincerely that it led to misfortune. Therefore, He feels petty and reflects his emotional distance from her.
What is the story’s main theme?
The main theme of “The Dead” is life and death, both literally and symbolically. The party represents the life, and snow is a symbol of death. Physically dead Michael Furey is emotionally alive, but physically alive Gabriel is emotionally dead. Love and loss is also an obvious theme.
What does the snow symbolize?
In this short story, the snow symbolizes death, physical death, and emotional death. Things covered by snow symbolize suppressed emotions, and removing snow from the body symbolizes the removal of an apparent layer of characters.
How does the party contrast with the ending?
In this short story, the party shows contrast with the ending. The party is full of music, dance, dinner, and social activities. On the other hand, the ending is silent and personal. Gabriel’s public performance at the party and the deep inner reflection of his character in the ending were in contrast. The party represents the appearance, and the ending displays the truth.
How does Gabriel see himself during the story?
Gabriel sees himself through the short story as smart and educated. He thinks himself superior to others. He worries about how others see him. At the end of the story, he realizes his reality, that he may not know himself.
What is the importance of Gabriel’s speech in The Dead by James Joyce?
Gabriel’s speech is important in the story. It reveals Gabriel’s character. His speech is about tradition and hospitality, and his words are polite and respectful. However, looks like it was practiced and detached.
How are the aunts described?
Aunt Kate and Julia are hospitable and old-fashioned, aged women. They are caring and generous. They are value the traditions and they are the symbol of the waning generation.
What does the story say about aging?
The story shows the entry of characters, their participation, and change. And finally, it shows the exit of characters. It is like birth, growth, and finally, death. The aged characters are nostalgic and have a sense of the lost. Gretta’s past and Gabriel’s dynamic character are a few examples of aging.
Why is Gretta’s memory so powerful?
Gretta experienced the deep emotions of love and loss. Her warmth for Michael Furey is bottomless and tragic. It was stuck in her mind. It shows how past emotions affect the present.
How does the story explore identity?
In general, every character had their identity as a host, guest, singer, dancer, speaker, aunt, nephew, niece, etc. Miss Ivors exposition of Gabriel displays the actual identity of Gabriel. It shows that real identity is complex and mostly hidden.
What role does silence play in the story?
In this short story, silence plays an important role. It will intensify the situation like snow falling silently. Gretta’s silence after listening to the song and Gabriel’s final thoughts are silent and internal at the end of the story.
How does Gabriel change by the end?
Gabriel has changed himself from self-confident and proud to weak. He realizes the deep emotions of love, death, and connection. The transformation is powerful but silent.
What’s the significance of the title The Dead by James Joyce?
Dead means passed away. The Michael Furey in this story is one instance of the dead physically. And, the emotionally dead Gabriel is another example. So, the story moves around the dead.
How is the marriage between Gabriel and Gretta shown?
The marriage between Gabriel and Gretta seems loving on the surface, but later in the story, it reveals distance. Gabriel thinks he knows Gretta, but later it is disclosed that Gretta’s character is different.
What do we learn about Gretta from her memory?
She experienced a deep youthful love. We have learned about Gretta from her memory. It shows that her past was livelier than her present.
What does Gabriel envy in Michael Furey?
Gabriel jealous of Michael Furey for the reason that Michael bravely and sincerely loves Gretta. Gabriel himself has feelings and emotions under his control. He thinks of himself as less alive than Michael.
How does the story end?
The story finishes with the event in which Gretta is sleeping and Gabriel lying beside her, snow falling outdoor. He shows his thoughts on life, death, and love quietly.
What’s the emotional tone of the story’s ending?
The emotional tone is sad, silent, and thoughtful at the end of the story. Gabriel has recognized the unfathomable truths of life. The ending is calm but packed with sadness. It leaves a long-lasting effect of emerging emotions.
Why is The Dead by James Joyce considered a masterpiece?
The Dead is considered a masterpiece because it arranges simple events with deep emotional understanding. It is thoughtful and clear writing. It has a long-lasting effect on the reader.
What’s the final message of the story?
The final message of the story is that the dead are never really left if we remember them. Everybody has memories and doubts. And inaudible moments can reveal deepest realities.
How does Joyce use realism in the story?
James Joyce used ordinary people, discussed social and emotional issues, and depicted everyday life in this short story. All these are the features of literary realism.