Victoria Santagato Discussion 5

 

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.

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