Saturday, 19 November 2011

Why does James Joyce describe Eveline as a "helpless animal"?

is a
"helpless animal" in that she's controlled by family ties and feels that she can't do
anything about it. These tiesor rather, chainsexert a hold on her like a dog chain or a tether,
holding her back, preventing her from gaining independence.

Despite leading a
life of abuse and domestic drudgery, Eveline still can't bring herself to make that leap of
faith and join her lover aboard ship as he sets sail for a new life in Argentina. This is
largely because she's never been allowed to mature. Treated like a beast of burden, and
controlled by her abusive father, Eveline has led the life of a domesticated animal whose
natural instinct for freedom has been curbed by the onerous responsibilities of family life. As
such, Eveline feels utterly helpless as she stands there on the quayside while her lover sails
off to the other side of the world.

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