Description

Comprised of fifteen hort stories set in Ireland at the turn of the twentieth century.  Considered one of Joyce's finest works, the stories are grouped by theme and feature unifying themes and ideas.  From the bleak story of Parnell's followers in "Ivy Day in the Committee Room," to the facade of celebration in "The Dead," Joyce creates realistic and memorable characters who each serve the greater theme.

Author Background

 

James Joyce was born on February 2, 1882 in Dublin, Ireland to impoverished parents. As the son of a devout Roman Catholic mother and a tax collector, his works are heavily resentful of male figures and the Catholic Church. He attended University College in Dublin and struggled to obtain teaching and journalist work. Joyce returned to Ireland upon his mother's death.  After World War I, Joyce and his family relocated to Zurich Switzerland where he lived until his death in 1941. His greatest works are considered Ulysses and Finnegan's Wake.

*Photo courtesy of www.wordriot.org

Further Reading

 

James Joyce Pub in Baltimore, Maryland

Questions for Book Clubs or Solitary Readers

1. How are the themes of paralyis, simony, and gnomon echoed in the short stories?

2. What is the story which you responded to most, emotionally?

3. How is Charles Parnell an important figure throughout the book?

4. What are the connecting factors that allow this book to be grouped as a collection of short stories?

5. What sort of image does Joyce paint of England? How could his upbringing have influenced this?