The unnamed protagonist of “Araby” is introduced to us as a young Irish boy who goes to school and plays in the street outside his house with his friends. When he begins to see a girl in the neighborhood, Magnan’s sister, in a different light, we are shown another side of the narrator. His character becomes shy, sensitive, and obsessive.
This confused adoration he gains for Magnan’s sister completely preoccupies his thoughts. He is unable to focus in school, and he cries and sings thinking of her. He is also unable to speak to her. When he finally does, after she approaches him about the bazaar she is unable to visit, he promises to go there and buy her something.
When he arrives at the bazaar, it is not the exotic sales stalls he is expecting, and he does not find a suitable gift for Magnan’s sister. This raised expectation caused by his romantic feelings that have grown for her is not met and is ultimately the reason for his frustration as he stands in the darkness. You realize how innocent he truly is, and how he is not ready to experience real love yet.
3 thoughts on “Victoria Santagato Discussion 5”
I agree with you Victoria, that the main character of the short story was sensitive and by the end I agree that due to the fact the high expectancies that was set for himself he began to feel discouraged in the end because he felt as if he let himself down. I also the fact that you described his behavior as a confused adoration.
Victoria, your list of character traits—shy, sensitive, and obsessive—is excellent. You also mention his confusion and distractability, as well as his innocence. Are you a psychology major? However, I must again note that this story has nothing to do with love. What he realizes at the end of the story is really about himself and his own life.
I agree with you that the narrator was shy, sensitive, and obsessive. I can’t even find another way to put it. I also enjoyed the way you interpreted the end of the story. When he didn’t get the gift he wanted for Mangan;s sister, he cried and was disappointed almost as if he was regretful. Maybe he was thinking he could’ve went to the bazaar earlier or he could’ve “tried harder” to get the gift. Overall he was frustrated and disappointed in himself.