What is “Araby” really about? To me “Araby” is a story about obsession. James Joyce uses impressive figurative language to make the readers feel that the narrator is blinded by love. The narrator develops a crush for his friends sister who he hardly knows. He admires her from afar and daydreams about her. Once they finally speak and she lets him know of her wishes to go to the bazaar he becomes obsessed with going so he can bring something back to her. He uses his imagination and thinks the bazaar is going to be this extravagant market where he can get something that will hopefully make Mangan’s sister like him. Once he arrives, he is extremely disappointed and let down because the market is basically closed. He already felt very isolated and sad during most of the story and this final event makes him feel even lower. I think the main point of the story is to show that obsession and delusion is no good because you could be heavily let down when your expectations are not met.
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2 thoughts on “Jasmine Thompson Discussion 5”
Hello Jasmine,
I completely agree that this reading is about being permanent in the face of a decision or person who is dominated by it, that is, an obsession. Despite the fact that this is formed involuntarily, that uncontrollable need to have the person or simply fight and/or do the impossible for it is generated and that is why the boy wants to buy him a gift from the bazaar. Regardless of the rest, an obsession can cause even seeking professional help, even from a psychologist, because you can suffer a lot.
Hello, Jasmine! Its an interesting perspective that I initially missed. I guess I read way too many true crime novels, I associate obsession with loopy behavior like dressing in camouflage to follow someone around or building a shrine in their image. Although I did consider his isolation and gloom to contribute to his hyper focus on Magnan’s sister, I I agree that he seems very isolated and sad, which can absolutely lead to his fixation on someone or something that makes him feel good. Thank you for sharing!