Eveline

Eveline In the short story, “Eveline,” James Joyce introduces us to the life of a young woman torn between duty and desire, the known and unknown. She has the opportunity to escape with Frank (the man she thinks she loves) to Buenos Aires in search of a new life. It seems obvious to the reader that Eveline should take advantage of this opportunity and escape. Instead, she decides to stay in the dreary and gloomy …

…awoke a nausea in her body and she kept moving her lips in silent fervent prayer”(6). This quote helps to characterize Eveline as a dreamer. Afraid to make a decision and go after what she wants, Eveline convinces herself it would not be wise to take a chance on happiness. Although it is too late for Eveline, the story teaches us to seize the day, have trust in ourselves, and take a chance on happiness.