Encounters with Realism

James Joyce in 1904

#6 Dubliners by James Joyce

 Ever since I left for Ireland, I’ve been carrying around the next book Dubliners.  This book which is a compilation of fifteen separate short stories was written by James Joyce in and about early 20^th Century life in Dublin.  The stories are told through the eyes of narrators at various stages in life, and each is progressively older than the next.  

It took me awhile to really get into this, and it may just be because the writing style is so relaxed and fluid.  The stories need no build up or introduction, and as you read, you have to allow yourself to fall into the scene.  

What I have found to be most intriguing is the simplicity and realism within each story.  Joyce is the type who picks each word carefully and will not overdo the description.  Because of this, time seems to pass at the true pace of experiencing a memory. 

These scenes are snippets of average, everyday life for all middle class Dubliners at this time.  But there is also a powerful message in each one of these stories.  I find most of them are unsettling in some way.  Each seems to hold a key lesson.  There is always something to be silently observed from the distance in these stories, and the difference between succeeding and failing at what appears the smallest insignificant moment becomes symbolic of the larger picture.  

Much of Joyce’s intent when it comes to the emotion of each story is to demonstrate how life is never as simple as it seems on the surface for a Dubliner.  Routine is inevitable at the end of the day.  To break away requires change for the better and can depend on another's cooperation.  Or the joys in life may very well be missed for fear of taking the next step into the unknown.  

The Liffey Swim by Jack Butler Yeats

#5 The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Ivan Albright

 Finally, finished with The Picture of Dorian Gray.  After getting over occupied with traveling, and useless distractions to follow, I'm back to give a review.  

This book was definitely worth finishing, though I had a bit of a hunch about how it would end.  Nevertheless, it was entertaining enough and touches on a subject that very few stories are about.  The acts of corruption seem to plague Dorian and those he comes into contact with not long after the portrait of his perfect face is finished.  After he comes to the understanding that his young face will change with age until he is no longer appreciated, he decides he would do anything to avoid this inevitable future.  He fears getting old, or having an ugly face.

What I found most entertaining about the story was the depiction of the inner driving force which propels a person to commit such terrible acts.  Murder as an example is something that most would never consider.  Thus, it is interesting to observe the way a person would come to such a point that murder would seem reasonable.  It is more a study of a state of mind, and a motivation.

From a distance, Dorian Gray can be skewed as the archetype of an evil aristocrat.  When he wants something, he has enough influence to get it.  Even if the service or thing is questionable, no one will raise a brow to his request.  It is parallel to the idea that living at a status above others can poison the soul.  The combination of unlimited resources, additional leisure time and boredom is a recipe for devious tactics.  The problem flowers from Dorian's focus to pursue his desires.

Lastly, I believe this book is somewhat symbolic of forbidden information.  It seems once Dorian is 'in the know' he can no longer live his life the same.  He claims the book he was given is filled with terrible information, the type that will pollute the mind.