In this work (Araby) by James Joyce, we see many motifs, themes, and symbols. One that sticks out is that of the schoolboy whose life seems to include an inordinate amount of darkness for someone his age. While most young boys are doing their best to cause mischief and have as good a time as possible, this boy seems to have a few images of light in his life, which causes a dark foreboding over the story. This is presented through images of death and decay, in his immediate surroundings and the places he visits. One might ask, is he longing for something unreachable, something he wishes he was but isn’t? It appears that the text is subtly hinting that the boy is longing to be saved from the fatalistic powers in force in his life by contrasting
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If he would have remembered to give the boy the money earlier, the boy would have been able to reach the bazaar with time to spare before it closed, while there were still trinkets he could afford to purchase. The boy would have been able to take in the colors around him, drink up the infectious joy surrounding him, and feel hope for a brighter future. In return for his generosity to the girl, he would have felt what it was like to be the recipient of gratitude, respect, and even love. Instead, this was all taken from him by the thoughtlessness of his uncle, who was oblivious to the inner tribulation of the young boy (in desperate need of guidance with no positive role models or mentors in his life) who was quickly becoming a young man. We leave the story of Araby with the boy’s cry of utter despair echoing in our ears, and wonder what will become of him in the future. Will he live a life of indifference and despondency now that he lost his chance to experience the joys of life? Or will he receive another chance? Although the scene ends with the boy’s angry thoughts, it shows that he is capable of experiencing passion. Even though this moment is dark, he leaves with hope that he may one day experience this passion again, perhaps with the help of the girl and once more have his thoughts softened with light once
If he would have remembered to give the boy the money earlier, the boy would have been able to reach the bazaar with time to spare before it closed, while there were still trinkets he could afford to purchase. The boy would have been able to take in the colors around him, drink up the infectious joy surrounding him, and feel hope for a brighter future. In return for his generosity to the girl, he would have felt what it was like to be the recipient of gratitude, respect, and even love. Instead, this was all taken from him by the thoughtlessness of his uncle, who was oblivious to the inner tribulation of the young boy (in desperate need of guidance with no positive role models or mentors in his life) who was quickly becoming a young man. We leave the story of Araby with the boy’s cry of utter despair echoing in our ears, and wonder what will become of him in the future. Will he live a life of indifference and despondency now that he lost his chance to experience the joys of life? Or will he receive another chance? Although the scene ends with the boy’s angry thoughts, it shows that he is capable of experiencing passion. Even though this moment is dark, he leaves with hope that he may one day experience this passion again, perhaps with the help of the girl and once more have his thoughts softened with light once