In the story “Araby” by James Joyce the boy boy can be described as introspective, idealistic, and naïve. He is a young, inexperienced adolescent wrestling with his sexuality and desires. He is also portrayed as a romantic, drawn to the exotic charm of Araby and the prospect of discovering something transforming there.
The boy’s character influences what occurs in the end because the narrative is recounted via his eyes and views. During the story, his hopes and aspirations grow as he anticipates eventually being able to visit Araby and buy a present for the girl he has a crush on. His idealistic dreams are crushed, however, when he arrives at the bazaar and discovers that it is nothing more than a business market, devoid of the magical and romantic elements he had envisaged. When he sees the emptiness of his aspirations and desires, his disillusionment leads to a tremendous sense of sadness and loss.
Finally, the boy’s character is crucial to the development of the plot in “Araby,” since his point of view informs the reader’s comprehension of the events that follow. His idealism and naiveté ultimately lead to his disappointment and despair, transforming “Araby” into an emotional coming-of-age narrative rather than a normal love story.
2 thoughts on “Vaman Dass Discussion 5”
Vaman, I like your point of view of the boy. Reading your perspective provided me with a different view and other characteristics, such as the romanticism, that I did not see in the protagonist. Your summary also added depth and emotion to what I already felt from the boy, almost a sense of heartbreak.
I also like your view of the “magic” of the bazaar gone due to the lack of stalls being open, crowds, and whatever else he was expecting. That too could have played a part in his disappointment and anger.
Great synopsis!
Vaman, this is a beautiful discussion that shows how character propels the story and reveals the central theme. Your last sentence sums up the underlying meaning of the story so well!