Analysis of James Joyce's 'Araby': A Glimpse into Adolescence and Disillusionment

In James Joyce’s masterpiece "Araby ", we follow along into a young boys obsession for his

friend’s sister leading him down roads littered with adversity all for reaching Araby bazaar where

they could develop their romantic relationships further. It highlights many bittersweet moments

of the boys' life highlighting the fleeting nature of desire delicate memories in adolescence in

unforgettable way (Joyce, 1914). As the story unfolds Joyce also touches on many broader

concerns with beautifully crafted sentences throughout. Told from a childlike perspective, this

piece has become widely renowned for its poignant coming of age themes and incisive

observations of our shared human condition. The narrator triggers a moment of self-discovery

which causes him to internalize his illusions and futility in questing for the unattainable: "Gazing

up into the darkness I saw myself as a creature driven and derided by vanity. And my eyes

burned with anguish and anger" (Joyce, 1914, p.5). The quote perfectly illustrates what Joyce is

trying to do with these characters' journey as they move into adulthood. Lastly "Araby" deals

with how societal expectations play out in life during the transition towards adulthood, which

can be severely depressing for those bravely following their dreams. This idea is poignantly

articulated within relatable aesthetics that have forever embedded themselves within readers long

after they have consumed this work.

References

Joyce, J. (1914). Araby. Retrieved from

https://my.uopeople.edu/pluginfile.php/1711882/mod_book/chapter/443824/

ENGL1102.U1.Reading.James%20Joyce%20Araby.pdf