Eveline

What theme was developed throughout the story?

When presented with the option to stay or to leave, people often choose to remain with what they know.

“Perhaps she would never see again those familiar objects for which she had never dreamed of being divided.” P.25

“But in her new home, in a distant unknown country, it would not be like that. Then she would be married – she, Eveline. People would treat her with respect then.” P. 26

“Strange that it should come that every night to remind her of the promise to her mother, her promise to keep their home together as long as she could.” P.28

2. Literary Features:

Symbolism – Dust

“She looked around the room, reviewing all its familiar objects which she had dusted once a week for so many years, wondering where on earth all the dust came from.” P. 25

The dust represents age and the passage of time. Additionally, it could also represent the stagnant, neglectful life that she had been living.

Simile –

“She set her white face to him, passive, like a helpless animal.”

This simile shows how she has been raised to be devoted, as an animal would be, to her family would instilled her with these beliefs. She has been trained to be passive in her life and about herself. This submission keeps her in Dublin and ultimately drives her decision to stay behind.

3. Epiphany:

“All the seas of the world tumbled about her heart. He was drawing her into them: he would drown her.” P. 29

“No! No! No! It was impossible. Her hands clenched the iron in frenzy. Amid the seas she sent a cry of anguish.” P.29

Her conclusion is to stay with her family. Dubliners are accustomed to a stagnant life, thus drawing her to make the decision to stay with what she knows, rather than to pursue an adventure of her own.