“Araby” by James Joyce
Araby is a story of physical, mental, and emotional growth told from the first-person perspective. The story is built around the narrator’s childhood and the illusions created in his mind by the fallacy of the idealization of life. He fantasizes about love, perfection, and familiarity with life. Beginning in the North Dublin street where the young narrator lives, the story describes his physical and symbolic self-discovery journey in Bazaar. The narrator’s symbolic journey to Bazaar is motivated by his obsessive idolization of a girl from his neighborhood. Despite impediments such as his uncle’s unwillingness to authorize the trip, the narrator eventually sets off to Bazaar. The mood is that of optimism, hopefulness, and happiness as he looks forward to getting a gift for his love interest.
The narration employs heavy symbolism to depict the persona’s humble beginnings and eventual departure from his home. The humble street setting is a depiction of how James Joyce perceives his childhood. This settin...
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