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Examples Of Expectations And Reality In Araby By James Joyce

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Expectations and reality consistently oppose one another for numerous situations in one’s lifetime. Humans tend to desire something and act to obtain it. Although, what is expected may not always occur thus the result is mostly disappointment but, a lesson is usually learnt. This is explicitly presented in the short story “Araby”, by James Joyce, which is a short story released in 1914 as a collection comprised of 15 stories named Dubliners. Through the first-person point of view of a boy, the story emphasizes a prime example of how reality does not agree with expectations. This unnamed boy transitions from a playful individual to a person in love with the sister of his closest friend. Firstly, Joyce incorporates multiple figures of speech and elements of design to express a purpose through the events that occur in the story. As mentioned before, this story is written in first person perspective of a boy who lives with his aunt and uncle. The perspective best allows readers to understand what this boy encounters every day and his opinion on certain topics. Furthermore, it also allows readers to perceive the feelings this boy has for a girl. For example, the author mentions the boy playing and says, “The cold air stung us and we played till our bodies glowed. Our shouts echoed in the silent street. The career of our play brought us through the dark muddy lanes behind the houses…” (Joyce, 1). This quote highlights the lively and childish fun the boy has with his friends.

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