Eveline Essay, Research Paper

Eveline

James Joyce s Eveline describes a story of a confused girl that is stuck in a situation that could change her life forever. Eveline, suppressed by her mother s deathbed wishes, is mentally subdued by her abusive surroundings, making it impossible for her to make a better life for herself.

Eveline, being the young indentured servant that she had been accustomed to, is surrounded by an abusive father and a society that treats her like she s still an infant. Her mother had passed away at an early age leaving her an obligation to remain home and take care of her family. Her mother s final words were Derevaun Seraun, a Latin phrase meaning the end of pleasure is pain. This seemed to be one of the most impacting things she had left her with that kept her inept in her very uncomfortable home. Her drunken abusive father contributed to her inability to leave her surroundings also mentally influences Eveline.

In her small town it describes the people as being un-approving of her and looking at her like she needs help tying her shoes. At her job, her persistent boss Miss Gavan always reminds her of her duties when people were around. Miss Gavan always implied: She had always had an edge on her, especially whenever there were people listening. Miss Hill, don t you see these ladies are waiting? Look lively, Miss Hill, please. People were always giving her un-needed instructions as to what she needed to do. This contributed to her feeling, as like she was a child that needed instructions.

Then came along gentlemen Frank, who swept her off her feet. He took her to a play, which she had never been before. They also sat where her class would normally not allow. He took her to see The Bohemian Girl and she felt elated as she sat in a unaccustomed part of the theater with him. This appeared to influence her that there was still a chance to better her miserable environment. Frank then proposed to take Eveline to Buenos Aries with him, enabling her to rid her of all her belongings and obligations. But, her mothers voice re-entered her head striking down any hope that Frank would bring her and her promised obligation. She trembled as she heard again her mothers voice saying constantly with foolish insistence Derevaun Seraun! Derevaun Seraun! Struck with fear, she was unable to better her life because of the agreement made to her mother.

Eveline, being the growing, sheltered, and restrained woman that she was, proved to be eternally condemned to her miserable surroundings. Committed by her promise to her mother and by fear of her angered, drunken, and abusive father. She was mentally unable to leave her responsibilities. Eveline, suppressed by her mother s deathbed wishes was mentally subdued by her abusive surroundings making it impossible for her to make a better life for herself.