Araby

 The main theme for James Joyce’s “Araby” is focused on the young boy’s infatuation.  In “Araby”, the unnamed boy narrates how his infatuation for his friend’s unnamed sister grew and his desire to buy a gift for her as a present as he promised for not being able to attend the bazaar. Because of that desire, he narrates, “I watched my master's face pass from amiability to sternness; he hoped I was not beginning to idle. I could not call my wandering thoughts together. I had hardly any patience with the serious work of life which, now that it stood between me and my desire, seemed to me child's play, ugly monotonous child's play.” (Joyce, 1914, p3) In the market where the bazaar is held, the narrator arrived witnessing disappointed from the scenery of flowered vase and teacups instead of the enchantment from the freedom of the east. The boy left the “Araby” empty handed – no gift bought for Mangan’s sister – the boy realized that the daily delays undermined his plans and Mangan’s sister will only fail his expectations. Contemplating in the darkness seeing his desperate and empty self with eyes full of rage and misery. (Joyce, 1914, p5)

 

References:

Joyce, J. (1914). Araby. Dubliners. Retrieved from https://my.uopeople.edu/pluginfile.php/1711882/mod_book/chapter/443824/ENGL1102.U1.Reading.James%20Joyce%20Araby.pdf