A discussion of mortality and miscommunication in the story “The Dead” by James Joyce.
This paper reviews “The Dead” by James Joyce which appeared in the collection “Dubliners” and revolves around a party scene that takes place at the house of two old ladies who are close relatives of the protagonist, Gabriel. It examines the two central themes of the book, mortality and miscommunication and how they are communicated effectively with the help of many symbols. It shows how symbolism has been used effectively throughout the story and how these symbols and dialogues reveal important information about the main characters.
“The various symbols and dialogues reveal important information about the main characters. Gabriel appears to be a highly self-centered person even though he is constantly trying to decipher meanings behind various comments and remark made by the guests. This is clear from the fact that Gabriel’s mind is pre-occupied with the speech that he was to deliver near the end of the party. Though he actually wants to talk about a famous English literary figure he condescendingly presumes that the guests would not be able to relate to such a speech, as they were not as well educated as him. He would only make himself ridiculous by quoting poetry to them which they could not understand.”