This scene acts as an early lens into Gabriel's subconscious, giving the reader a sense of how he handles confrontation. Although the significance of this scene is unclear, when coupled with his second confrontation it becomes apparent that Joyce seeks to establish Gabriel's identity. .
The second confrontation that Gabriel experiences occurs with Miss Ivors and acts another example of his inability to experience any sort of intimacy with another individual. Miss Ivors approaches Gabriel and criticizes the literary column he writes in The Daily Express, saying, "I didn't think you were a West Briton." Gabriel is insulted, however does not confront her, but justifies to himself a reason why confrontation would be a poor decision, "He wanted to say that literature was above politics, but they were friends of many years, he could not risk a grandiose phrase with her.".
Miss Ivors continues to test Gabriel's patience, finally getting him to lose his temper and admit that he is sick of Ireland. This sudden burst of emotion sends him quickly back into his shell and tries mask what had just happened: "Gabriel tried to cover his agitation by taking part in the dance with great energy. He avoided her eyes for he had seen a sour expression on her face." This example solidifies Gabriel's inability to handle any sort of confrontation. By being unable to speak his opinion, he is unable to express his own identity, trapping him in this lifeless state of conforming to the wants and needs of those around him. He fails to speak for himself; instead he avoids her eyes and buries his emotions. Joyce seeks to have the reader ask: what is there in a life that lacks intimacy and emotion? Is that considered living at all? .
Gabriel's lack of expressing identity, shown by his inability to engage in sincere conversation with those he is acquainted, such as Lily and Miss Ivors, becomes most apparent in his speech that he gives at the conclusion of dinner.
