Eveline

"Her eyes gave him no sign of love or farewell or recognition."

 pg 222

The author admits to writing about "spiritual paralysis" in Dublin's citizens. By this he means their spirits, or emotions, and not their spirituality. Yes, Eveline has had a rough life, but she has almost resigned to the fact that nothing happy will ever happen to her. Even when she had the chance to leave with her true love she stayed because she is so trapped inside her nightmare of a life. I don't think trapping yourself is a very helpful theme though. It's not right for an arthur to tell his readers to lose all sense of emotion and follow their responsibilities over their heart's desires. Maybe the story is begging readers to not be Eveline. Maybe people should not hold negative memories so closely. Moreover, maybe we shouldn't dwell on the past.