Daniel Machover – Discussion 5

When answering the question, ” “Araby” by James Joyce is not a love story. What is “Araby” really about?”, many things come to mind.  Though there are many take aways throughout the coming of age story, the main thing you begin to realize throughout the story is how his obsession with the Mangan’s sister blinds every other aspect in his life.  I believe this story is about how one’s judgement and how they can perceive things are clouded by what they may think is their first love.  However, this obsession continues to grow as he grows older and he no longer focuses on the things he used to love, like his family (being impatient and angry with his uncle) and playing with his friends in the street.  As he continues to gain progress in his goal of winning the Mangan’s sister over, he is met with a humbling experience at the bazaar.  This leads me to believe that the author is choosing to highlight the fact that the boys growing obsession blinds him from reality.  This point can be drawn when the author states “I wished to annihilate the tedious intervening days.” [12}.  Portraying that as he has the bazaar to look forward to, his days between then are a just a nuisance.