A Deconstructive Double-Reading: Lily’s Plain Language in James Joyce's "The Dead" Olivia F. Vega College

Part I: Formalist Approach: James Joyce’s contemplative short story, “The Dead” examines the actions of a neurotic Irish intellectual, Gabriel Conroy, and his existential realizations following a revelation from his wife, Gretta. The story begins with preparations for a party held by Gabriel’s aunts, Kate and Julia Morkan. An initially frenzied rush to usher in guests is displayed through the perspective of their housemaid, Lily. The introductory passage opens with the use of a colloquial phrase, describing Lily as being “literally run off her feet” (175). The use of common language exemplifies Joyce’s decision to portray Lily’s point of view, as she would likely use this type of language in everyday conversation. Joyce employs colloquial dialogue to critique the economic disparities present in Ireland, portraying Lily, a working-class character as genuine and hardworking in contrast to the frivolous upper middle-class characters she interacts with. Lily’s realistic characterization sets the stage for her formative interaction with Gabriel in which he reveals his lack of tact and blatant obliviousness to the harshly constraining conditions of poverty and patriarchy.

Furthermore, in starting from the perspective of a somewhat...