The Theme of Sexual Progression in James Joyce's "Araby"

Paper Summary:

This paper looks at the theme of sexual progression in the short story, "Araby" written by Irish author James Joyce. The author describes Joyce's style as a manipulation of sexuality that has an innocent and almost Catholic-like element. The paper traces the theme of sexual progression in the unnamed protagonist of the book who does not ever engage in the carnal act of sex but rather swims amongst the emotions surrounding sexual desire and attraction. The author gives quotes from the books and includes personal notes on the symbolism of the language used. The author also praises the poetic style that Joyce engaged, allowing the reader inside the emotional and sexual struggle of an emerging adolescence with sexual imagery tinged with innocence and Catholicism.

From the Paper:

"One of my favourite elements of Joyce's Araby is how poetic some of the language is. Even though Joyce progresses this story through the description of the young man's sexual feelings he does not necessarily make the reader think about the physicality of sex. Joyce manages to portray the innocence of youth without undermining the young man's emotions. The most poetic line in Araby is also one that depicts the increasingly strong longing the young man has for the girl."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Joyce, James. "Araby." Fiction: A Pocket Anthology. Eds. R.S. Gwynn and Wanda Campbell. Second Edition. Penguin Academics series. Toronto: Pearson Canada, 2008. 96-100.

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