Response to Araby by Libya Jordan

The story “Araby” by James Joyce is about a young boy whose admiration for his crush rivals that of a saint. Joyce’s contrast of light and dark represents the bleak, somber environment while looking for hope for the future. The older narrator speaks from the perspective of his younger self. The narrator is first introduced to his crush when her figure appears in the illuminating light from the house. At that moment, he created a fantasy of her being his saving grace, saving him from the “darkness” of his life. He continuously follows her on his way to school, and daydreams of her in class. When the reality of life is overwhelming, she is his temporary comfort. One day, finally able to speak to her, she announces her desire to go to the bazaar. Hearing this, he takes on the quest to bring her something back. As if he’s trying to prove his love to her. But a change in circumstances leaves him fruitless. A mix of anger and disappointment, the narrator begins to challenge the true intent of his feelings. Those same feelings can apply to a pending future for Ireland. The themes throughout the story are religion, young love, coming of age, and escapsim.