#2

Evelyn by James Joyce

Evelyn's present circumstance is one full of loss and lassitude. She feels sadness for the loss of her mother and the her times spent as a blissful child. Now she is just haunted by the ghosts of the past and her current demons, such as her abusive father or her callous supervisor. She writes of remembering a time when her father showed some sign of kindness and humanity towards her, but now all he offers is fear and abuse. It is no wonder why in her present situation, in Dublin of all cities, that Evelyn would desire so heavily to run away. This stifled passion to live is what causes Evelyn's attraction to Frank. He, a sailor, could offer her the chance of a lifetime. The narrator explains Evelyn's thoughts, "Frank would save her. He would give her life, perhaps love, too" (Joyce 221). This quote explains Evelyn's opinion of Frank and why she hesitates to board the ship with him. Although she likes him and is attracted to the fact that he can save her from her current situation, she has no other love for him. This story is not so much a love story much a story of longing.