Scan barcode
A review by georgeanna_
The Dead by James Joyce
3.0
I didn't dislike this story. Quite the opposite actually, I found the descriptions engaging, the allusions gripping, and the plot twist at the end exciting (albeit ludicrous). Rather, I found Gabriel so detestable that I simply could not enjoy the story. I suppose it is the ultimate rejection that he faces, in contrast to the rejection he repeatedly faces from Lily, his friends, and ultimately, his own wife. Maybe, that hints at Joyce's expertise at breaking the fourth wall; not only do all of the characters push Gabriel away, but so did I.
CHARACTERS (Grade: A):
They seemed as realistic as they could be, with witty banter and charismatic personalities. However, as I stated, I couldn't help but despise Gabriel. He was simply so weak and pathetic. He was brilliant and yet he felt ashamed for being so. At the same time, he was contradictorily pompous and elitist. His contradicting nature didn't end with his ego, no Joyce couldn't leave his character half-way likable. Gabriel is a weak man that hopes, no, expects to be regarded as a domineering figure. He is realistic, but does not have the capacity for me to sympathize with him.
PLOT (Grade: B+):
The plot held hidden glimmers of human truth, which is just about what I expected of the story. My only qualm with it was the fact that the "climax" was so ridiculous. It was simply that Michael Furey that had "died" for Gretta (which I don't fully buy either). Gabriel gets himself up in a tissy complaining and "realizing" he never loved his wife. I could see where one would be hurt to not have known about a past lover, but to be so violently passionate about it only made me detest Gabriel more (and thus lowering my appreciation for the work itself).
Like I previously stated, I don't dislike this story. Done in another manner with a less detestable main character, I may have even liked it more. It simply didn't stand out in a crowd of assigned reading.
CHARACTERS (Grade: A):
They seemed as realistic as they could be, with witty banter and charismatic personalities. However, as I stated, I couldn't help but despise Gabriel. He was simply so weak and pathetic. He was brilliant and yet he felt ashamed for being so. At the same time, he was contradictorily pompous and elitist. His contradicting nature didn't end with his ego, no Joyce couldn't leave his character half-way likable. Gabriel is a weak man that hopes, no, expects to be regarded as a domineering figure. He is realistic, but does not have the capacity for me to sympathize with him.
PLOT (Grade: B+):
The plot held hidden glimmers of human truth, which is just about what I expected of the story. My only qualm with it was the fact that the "climax" was so ridiculous. It was simply that Michael Furey that had "died" for Gretta (which I don't fully buy either). Gabriel gets himself up in a tissy complaining and "realizing" he never loved his wife. I could see where one would be hurt to not have known about a past lover, but to be so violently passionate about it only made me detest Gabriel more (and thus lowering my appreciation for the work itself).
Like I previously stated, I don't dislike this story. Done in another manner with a less detestable main character, I may have even liked it more. It simply didn't stand out in a crowd of assigned reading.