Question

Eveline had two letters in her lap while she sat by the window and contemplated her future plans. What message did they contain?

Hint:

The white color of the letters fading into the evening dusk symbolizes Eveline's growing indecision. This emotional paralysis ultimately prevents her from leaving her past behind.

Answer 1

Step 1: Contextualizing Eveline's Dilemma:
In James Joyce's short story Eveline, the protagonist sits at her window in Dublin, holding two letters as she prepares to elope to Buenos Aires with Frank, a sailor. These letters represent her last physical connection to her family and her home life.

Step 2: Identifying the Recipients of the Letters:
The letters are addressed to the two key male figures remaining in her life:
• The First Letter is to Harry: Her supportive brother who works away from home in the church-decorating business.
• The Second Letter is to Her Father: A difficult, abusive, and aging man with whom she has a complex and painful relationship.

Step 3: Explaining the Messages of the Letters:
While Joyce does not quote the letters directly, the narrative reveals their purpose. They are farewell letters designed to explain her decision to leave, reassure her family of her safety, say her goodbyes, and perhaps ease her feelings of guilt over breaking her promise to her dying mother to keep the family home together.

Step 4: Formulating the Concise Academic Answer:
Eveline's two farewell letters, addressed to her brother Harry and her aging father, explained her decision to leave Dublin and elope with Frank. Holding them in her lap reflects her deep hesitation and guilt as she struggles to balance her duty to her family with her desire to escape.