Religous Symbolism In “Eveline“ & “Araby“

homeland at the age of twenty. Though he was ostracized most of his life, Joyce wrote

almost exclusively about his native Dublin. Although Joyce rejected his religion, he

relied on the use of religious symbols to make a point.

In “Araby” and “Eveline” Joyce uses religious symbols to show the importance of

the Catholic religion in both of the main characters’ lives. Both of these stories take

place in Dublin, Ireland, a place that is very strong in its belief in the Catholic religion.

In “Araby,” the imagery of the infamous “Fall” is presented to the reader within the

second paragraph to indicate its importance. The themes of religious masses can be

found in “Eveline.” The concept of the Catholic Ash Wednesday is presented throughout

The second paragraph of “Araby” presents the idea of the Adam and Eve story

known as “The Fall.” “The wild garden behind the house contained a central apple tree

and a few straggling bushes under one of which I found the late tenant’s rusty bicycle

pump.” In the Catholic religion, th

you were made, and to dust you shall return.” In both of the stories the word dust comes

obligated to follow them, even through the very tough time of adolescence. In the story,

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