James Joyce's The Dead

Upon first review, the casual reader would get the impression that James Joyce's "The Dead" is primarily a story about the goings on at a Christmas party and the complicated personalities of the guests who attend that party. Taking a closer look, however, one realizes that the story is one of a conversion for the protagonist, Gabriel Conroy, not only in terms of his outlook but also in terms of his expressions toward his wife. In this paper, various facets of the inner workings of the story will be presented, along with quotes from the story, in order to ultimately better understand the foundations of this immortal work.

The Tone of Gabriel Conroy Toward His Wife

Gabriel Conroy, throughout the majority of the story, takes on a harsh and impatient tone with his wife, indicating a sheer lack of patience for her as well as an absences of respect for her as a woman, as well as the woman whom he married and pledged to love forever. This impatience can be blamed on several factors-perhaps the excitement of the party, the rushed nature of the scene, or even an over indulgence in wine. More likely, however, Conroy's attitude and actions comes from his self absorbtion and selfishness. Because of his inability to see beyond his own needs, wants and emortions, he cannot accommodate his wife in an emotional sense, nor can he even be civil to her most of the time. Conroy's behavior sets the stage for the plot of the story.

Conroy's attitude and feelings are also better seen when reviewing key quotes of Conroy directly to his wife.
Memorable Quotes of Conroy to His Wife

A review of Conroy's agitated discourse with his wife, starting in the beginning of "The Dead" and continuing through almost all of the rest of the story, shows that he clearly has a great deal of disdain for her and feels her to be inferior to him in intellect and importance. To make this point, several quotes from the story are presented and explained as follows:

"But as for Gretta there," said Gabriel, "she'd walk home in the snow if she were let."(Joyce, 1999).