James Joyce "Araby" (2236)

Look at the opening description and setting. What is remarkable about it?

Note that most of the description of Mangan's sister, when we first see her, is centered on the narrator. Why do you think that is? What sort of feelings does he have for her?

Cf. * on page 2237. What makes this sort of description significant?

In the following paragraph, the narrator states, "I was thankful I could see so little. All my senses seemed to desire to veil themselves" (2237). How does this concern the theme of the story?

What goes on in the conversation with Mangan's sister? What is the effect on him later?

What is waiting for his uncle like? When he finally does come home, the narrator says, "I could interpret these signs" (2238). Signs of what?

What is the contrast between what the narrator feels when he gets to the bazaar and the attitudes and actions of the people he sees? How would you describe the conversation between the girl and the two young gentlemen?

How does the girl speak to the narrator? What is the effect on him?

Explain the ending sentence.