The Dead: Book review




Book review

Title: The Dead
Author: James Joyce
Genre: Novella/Short story

The Dead is one of those literary short story pieces that is long enough to be considered as a novella. 

The story is set in Dublin at an annual dance party hosted by the protagonist’s aunts. Our protagonist is Gabriel who is a book reviewer and teacher. He is about to give a speech which he fears would not be understood by the audience at the party. We see awkward encounters and heated arguments. But the turning point of the story is Gabriel’s wife’s shocking revelation about the past that takes him by surprise. 

Joyce’s descriptions of the people and food lend to the themes that are touched upon in the story. The prose is achingly beautiful and haunting, especially in passages that highlight music and the snow. Interestingly both are silent characters in itself especially snow which results in Gabriel’s epiphany. It also results in eradicating the class divide that is quite prominent throughout the story. Elements of nature do not differentiate either between the living and dead or the rich and poor. 

The theme of death lingers throughout the book. This is showcased in the characters’s deadpan expressions, the same ritual and routine, their inability to try out anything new and even the food on the table. Class divide, male ego and nostalgia are other themes. The irony in the story lies in the fact that the dead are more alive than those who are living. 

One of best stories that leaves you feeling pained and lingers on your mind. 

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