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Introduction

New Criticism of Short Story Araby by James Joyce When analyzing Araby, by James Joyce, using new criticism, two main underlying themes stand out to the reader. The themes of isolation and of love are both revealed by the author in this short story. As it is unlikely to be both isolated and in love, there is much tension between these two themes as they each battle to become dominant. Eventually, the tensions dissolve and the main character finds himself completely isolated and alone. These themes and complexities directly reflect the inspiration and intentions of the author and allow the reader to benefit from the universal truths of isolation and love buried within the text. The theme of isolation is eminent from the opening paragraphs that describe a dark, quiet street. ...read more.

Middle

This may have made it difficult for the main character to talk to her and gives a reason for his shyness when with her. Instead, he seemed satisfied to spy on her with "the blind pulled down to within an inch of the sash so that [he] could not be seen."4 Immediately tensions arise in this book as the main character struggles to overcome his fears and begins to talk to Mangan's sister. As his physical adoration for her grows stronger the reader sees the theme of isolation and darkness explode into light that falls "over one side of her dress and [catches] the white border of a petticoat."5 For a few short paragraphs, while he is talking to her, the tone of the story is bright and almost cheerful - a complete opposite of the stories opening. ...read more.

Conclusion

Either way, the author has tied to educate the reader about isolation and love. The author shows how the life of the main character changes from being lonely and isolated to being obsessed with love and then back to isolation and loneliness. In the last paragraph of the piece we find the boy isolated, in the darkness, eyes burning with anguish as he realizes he has not succeeded in his task of buying his love a gift. The message being conveyed is that if he had concentrated on building a relation ship with Mangan's sister rather than just buying her gifts, he would not have found himself alone and in the dark. 1 page 385, paragraph 1 2 page 386, paragraph 2 3 page 387, paragraph 2 4 page 387, paragraph 1 5 page 388, paragraph 3 6 page 391, paragraph 6 May 2, 2007 ...read more.

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