Setting of Eveline in James Joyces Dubliners :: Dubliners Essays

Setting of "Eveline"   The setting of the short story "Eveline" by James Joyce goes far beyond the physical characteristics. The setting goes past being located in Dublin, Ireland in an old room. The setting greatly influences Eveline in many different ways. The setting entraps Eveline in this short story. The setting of the entire story is very plain. slide fastener in Evelines life ever seems to change. Most of the story takes place with Eveline sitting by the window in a very dull room. The room is make full with "the odor of dusty cretonne" from the curtains, and has a "yellowing photograph hung on the wall above the broken harmonium" (513). One would certainly not group these characteristics as exciting. equivalent to the room, Evelines life is very plain. Eveline is a product of her environment. She is trapped in this setting and does not know any other way except the way things argon now for her. Her internal struggle will not allow Eveline to admit the setting that she is currently in. Eveline was brought up in a social environment of tight adherence to tradition and obedience. Eveline is forced to remain in this setting because of the promise that she made to her mother. Eveline had a chance to escape all this, but she doesnt take it because she is very conservative, and doesnt know any other way. Evelines promise to her mother seems to cripple her in this setting. She cant move she cant win out of it Eveline feels that she must adhere to tradition and be dutiful by living her mothers life. Eveline even says, "It was hard work-a hard life-but now that she was about to leave she did not find it a wholly undesirable life."(513) Eveline does want to get away from this setting, but she simply does not know any other way. Eveline tries to trick herself in to thinking that life isnt that bad. However, in reality she simply seems to greatly fear change because she doesnt know change. Dublin ha s become a part of Eveline. The setting is the only thing that gives Eveline a sense of security. She is too afraid to leave this setting she is trapped. In Ireland, "she had those whom she had known all her life about her (512).