Journey in Araby Short Story by James Joyce
In this story, the main character should learn that love can bring light in life or make one a fool, innocence can be lost in the aging process, and that expectations might differ from reality. The narrator, who happens to be the main character, comes from a damp and unpleasant environment. He explains how North Richmond Street, where he was brought up, was a blind, cold, quiet, and isolated place. However, the protagonist separates himself from this awful state of living by the thoughts of Mangan’s sister. The woman’s presence brightened his dark existence since he loved seeing the lady, and he felt happy whenever he saw or thought about her. He says “This happened morning after morning. I have never spoken to her, and yet her name was like a summon to all my foolish blood” (Joyce 2). In addition to this, he offered to go to the Araby bazaar to bring her a special gift. This could have taught him that love can make you a fool or bring some light in life.
In the beginning, the character appears to be an extremely innocent boy who is interested in everyday activities such as playing with friends. As he grew, this incorruptibility began fading as well. He started feeling greater than his friends and lost interest in the earlier things that were vital to him. He says “we walked through the flaring streets, jostled by drunken men and bargaining women” (Joyce 3). This could have taught him that innocence could be lost as one age. In the Araby bazaar, the protagonist thought he could get the most precious gift for Mangan’s sister. This is because he assumed since she was exceptionally beautiful, she deserved the most stunning gift. He was unimpressed by his time there, contrary to his anticipation. It is stated, “I lingered through the stall though I knew my stay was useless”(Joyce 4). The narrator finds himself leading a bitter and angry life. This could have taught him that expectations differ from reality.
Work Cited
Joyce, James. Araby. Plato-Philosophy.Org, 2021, Web.