Dubliners
James Joyce
Contains spoilers for the entire book.
Discussion topics
Topic 01 of 08
Paralysis
Joyce wanted to show Dublin as the centre of paralysis. Where did you see that in the stories?
Keep the conversation going
- Which character seemed most stuck?
- Is anyone in the book free?
There is no single right answer. Bring your own reading.
Discussion topics
Joyce wanted to show Dublin as the centre of paralysis. Where did you see that in the stories?
Keep the conversation going
- Which character seemed most stuck?
- Is anyone in the book free?
What do 'The Sisters', 'An Encounter' and 'Araby' share about growing up in Dublin?
Keep the conversation going
- What does the boy realise at the end of 'Araby'?
- How do the adults in these stories fail the children?
Why does Eveline not get on the boat?
Keep the conversation going
- Was she right?
- What holds her back: duty, fear, or something else?
Which characters try to escape, and why do they fail?
Keep the conversation going
- What did you make of Little Chandler in 'A Little Cloud'?
- Is escape even possible in this world?
What does 'Counterparts' show about frustration passed down from one person to the next?
Keep the conversation going
- How did you feel about the ending with Farrington's son?
- Where else does drink shape the stories?
How did you respond to Mr Duffy, and to what happens to Mrs Sinico?
Keep the conversation going
- Who is to blame for her death?
- What does he realise at the end?
How do politics and religion appear in stories like 'Ivy Day in the Committee Room' and 'Grace'?
Keep the conversation going
- What does the shadow of Parnell mean in the book?
- How does the Church shape these lives?
What does Gabriel realise when Gretta tells him about Michael Furey?
Keep the conversation going
- How did the snow 'falling faintly through the universe' make you feel?
- Is the ending despair, acceptance or love?
There is no single right answer. Bring your own reading.