Formalistic Analysis Dubliners

In James Joyce’s Dubliners, we are introduced to a number of themes and symbols through a variety of short stories. One such theme that makes Dubliners a highly unified literary work is that of paralysis. This unity can be seen in many of the stories, but this paper will look specifically at "A Painful Case,” "Eveline,” "A Little Cloud” and "The Sisters." Through the images and emotions he uses in his characters, Joyce shows …

…whole, more unified. These are just four examples of stories in Dubliners, where paralysis or the feeling of being paralyzed for whatever reason plays a significant part in the story. Joyce uses the imagery of his characters to convey the concept that they feel paralyzed by jealousy, fear, obligations, or even being literally paralyzed. Whatever the case may be, paralysis is one of many key themes that makes Dubliners a more unified work of literature.