Eveline - Plot and Character Analysis

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Questions and Answers

What does the protagonist recall about her father?

He wore her mother's bonnet to entertain the children. (correct)

He often spoke of traveling to foreign lands.

He was always busy with work duties.

He was stern and rarely showed emotion.

What does the street organ remind the protagonist of?

Her desire to escape the city.

A joyful memory with her friends.

The promise she made to keep the family together. (correct)

Her father's disapproval of music.

What phrase does the protagonist remember her mother saying?

Life goes on, dear.

Joy comes after sorrow.

Hold onto your dreams.

Derevaun Seraun! (correct)

How does the protagonist feel when she is in the station with Frank?

Confused and overwhelmed by emotions. Signup and view all the answers

What action does the protagonist take when faced with her decision?

She grips the iron railing tightly in fear. Signup and view all the answers

What inner conflict does the protagonist experience?

The longing for love while feeling guilty about leaving her family. Signup and view all the answers

What emotional state does the protagonist experience when the boat whistle blows?

Nausea and distress. Signup and view all the answers

What does the protagonist wish for regarding her relationship with Frank?

She believes he will take care of her. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main location where Eveline sits in the beginning of the story?

At the window Signup and view all the answers

Which sensory detail is described in relation to Eveline's environment?

The smell of dusty cretonne Signup and view all the answers

How does Eveline feel about leaving her home?

Sad and conflicted Signup and view all the answers

What significant change does Eveline recall about her childhood?

The loss of her mother and playmates Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary activity of children in the field before it was developed?

Playing together Signup and view all the answers

Which object does Eveline notice that indicates her long-standing connection to her home?

A broken harmonium Signup and view all the answers

What does Eveline think about the priest whose photograph hangs above the harmonium?

She has never learned his name Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the transformation of Eveline's environment?

It became less friendly and welcoming Signup and view all the answers

What were the two young children left to her charge primarily needing?

Regular meals and educational opportunities Signup and view all the answers

Why did she feel elated while watching 'The Bohemian Girl'?

Due to the music and the company of Frank Signup and view all the answers

What profession did Frank hold before meeting her?

A sailor starting as a deck boy Signup and view all the answers

How did her father react to her relationship with Frank?

He forbade her from seeing Frank Signup and view all the answers

How did she end up meeting Frank after her father's decree?

She met him secretly after her father's quarreling Signup and view all the answers

What was her father's attitude towards her during her illness?

He showed kindness by taking care of her Signup and view all the answers

What did she reflect on as the evening deepened?

The two letters she held in her lap Signup and view all the answers

What did Frank tell her about his travels?

He told stories of terrible Patagonians Signup and view all the answers

What is Eveline contemplating about her decision to leave home?

She may regret leaving the comfort of her familiar surroundings. Signup and view all the answers

How does Eveline view her future marriage?

As a way to gain respect from others. Signup and view all the answers

What factors have contributed to Eveline's reluctance to leave her home?

The fear of her father's violence and financial instability. Signup and view all the answers

How does Eveline's father typically treat the topic of money?

He often accuses her of squandering money. Signup and view all the answers

What does Eveline often do with her wages?

Give her entire wages to her father. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Eveline feel unsafe at home?

Because her father is often drunk. Signup and view all the answers

What does Eveline believe about how others would perceive her if she leaves with a fellow?

They would criticize her for her foolishness. Signup and view all the answers

What does the reference to her black leather purse symbolize for Eveline?

The burdens she carries in her life. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Eveline - Plot Summary

Eveline is a young woman, living in Dublin.
She is trapped in a life of poverty and responsibility to her family.
Eveline's father is abusive and her mother is dead.
She is in love with Frank, a sailor, and plans to run away with him to Buenos Aires.
Eveline is conflicted: She wants to escape her dreary life, but also feels a sense of duty to her family.
She is haunted by the memory of her mother and her mother’s frequent plea "Derevaun Seraun!" which means "the end of the world."
At the North Wall, Eveline sees the ship to Buenos Aires and is overwhelmed by the magnitude of her decision.
Ultimately, Eveline chooses to stay in Dublin.
The story ends with Eveline frozen, clutching the railing, as Frank pleads with her to leave.

Character Analysis

Eveline: Eveline is a young woman who feels trapped by her circumstances. She is a victim of poverty, abuse, and societal expectations for women. She longs for freedom and love, but is also burdened by a sense of duty to her family. She is paralyzed by fear and indecision.
Frank: Frank is presented as a romantic figure, a symbol of escape and adventure. His love for Eveline is evident, but his character remains somewhat ambiguous.
Eveline's Father: Eveline's father is a harsh and demanding man, who has a history of violence. He represents the oppressive forces that hold Eveline captive.

Themes

Duty vs. Desire: Eveline is torn between her desire for personal happiness and her perceived duty to her family.
The Power of Memory: Eveline's past, especially her mother's death, weighs heavily on her present decisions.
The Limitations of a Woman's Life: Eveline's story highlights the restrictive social roles imposed on women in early 20th century Ireland, particularly for those in poverty.
The Paralysis of Fear: Eveline is overwhelmed by fear and unable to make a decisive decision.
The Lure of Escape: Eveline's desire to run away with Frank represents a longing for a new life, free from the constraints of her current situation.

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Description

Explore the plot and character of Eveline, a young woman in Dublin facing the struggles of poverty and familial duty. The quiz delves into her conflicted emotions about love and responsibility, and her ultimate decision at the North Wall. Test your understanding of this poignant story by James Joyce.