Family Decisions in James Joyces Eveline from Dubliners...

Family Decisions in Eveline In growing up there is never a day that goes by when we do not have to make a decision. While making these decisions, we are influenced by our family and friends. In James Joyces Eveline, the family structure is important in the decision making abilities Eveline possesses. Evelines choice whether to go with her lover Frank to Buenos Ayres is not her own, but rather is one greatly determined by her family. Because her family is dysfunctional, Eveline is also dysfunctional, and she is not able to leave her unhealthy home environment for a new life with Frank. One member of Evelines family who affects her choices is her mother. In many families mothers and daughters have a life-long bond where†¦show more content†¦The guilt Eveline would feel if she left is one powerful negative influence on her decision-making potential which is likely to keep her home with her responsibilities and her unhappiness. Evelines mother is not the only parent who contributes to the destruction of Evelines decision-making abilities. Evelines father always tells her what to do and never allows her to make choices. He is a very abusive, heavy drinker which makes her sometimes [feel] herself in danger (4). This fear of her father gives us the impression that Eveline is immobilized in part by her fear. She feels trapped in her mothers role since her father expects her to take care of him and the children. She is further frightened because of the way her father has abused her mother. Her fathers control prevents her from doing what she wants to do. She resists that control to the extent that she is still strong enough to keep seeing Frank even though her father [finds ] out about the affair and [forbids] her to have anything to say to him (5). However, she feels too much pity for and fear of her father to be able to stand up to him when she is faced with a final choice. Eveline does not even choose in the strict sense of the word to go to the docks to meet Frank . While Eveline sits considering herShow MoreRelated The Theme of Escape in James Joyce’s Dubliners Essay1073 Words   |  5 PagesThe Theme of Escape in James Joyce’s Dubliners In James Joyce’s Dubliners, the theme of escape tends to be a trend when characters are faced with critical decisions. Joyce’s novel presents a bleak and dark view of Ireland; his intentions by writing this novel are to illustrate people’s reasons to flee Ireland. In the stories â€Å"Eveline, â€Å"Counterparts†, and the â€Å"Dead†, characters are faced with autonomous decisions that shape their lives. This forlorn world casts a gloomy shadow overRead MoreEveline1643 Words   |  7 PagesIn â€Å"Eveline,† James Joyce uses the juxtaposition of the ever-changing setting and the unchanging stoic character of Eveline in order to exemplify the character’s reluctance and inability to move forward. 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