“Araby” is a short story written by James Joyce. In it the author explores a number of themes such as the difference between fantasy and reality, the process of maturing and desolation. However, one of the most significant themes of the story is the theme of love. It is mainly revealed through the narrator and his love for Mangan's sister. Throughout the story the protagonist was ready to do anything in order to please his beloved. On the example of the narrator Joyce shows how powerful love can be.
Furthermore, the theme of power of love is also revealed through the narrator's decision to visit the Araby in order to buy a present for Mangan's sister. Thus, when they first started a conversation, the girl mentioned that she wanted to visit the Araby. Unfortunately, but she didn't had such opportunity. Therefore, the narrator promised to go there and to bring something for the girl. For him, the Araby became a chance to win her attention and to surprise her. Indeed, the visit to the Araby has turned into a real quest for the boy. At first, his uncle, who was supposed to give him some money, was late. Then the train to the Araby was also delayed. Finally, when the boy arrived to the place, almost all the stores there were closed. All in all, the narrator’s readiness to overcome all the obstacles in order to please Mangan's sister proves that love changes people's lives. It makes them more romantic and sincere. It is clear that when a person experiences love, he is ready to do anything in order to make the one he loves happy. The example of the narrator proves that love makes people happier. Through his story Joyce shows that love is one of the most strong and powerful feelings in the world. Those who love will surely be able to overcome any problems or obstacles in their lives. They don't pay attention to anything or anyone except from the feelings of those they love. Their perception of life changes as well. Love undoubtedly makes people value all the beautiful moments of life.
The story “Veronica's poetry” by Neil Sebacher also focuses on the theme of love and infatuation. In it Gordon Nickles fells in love with Veronica, the girl from his school. The boy also realizes that Veronica has feelings for him as well. He learns from his brother that the girl is interested in him. However, it seems that Gordon is not ready to accept this feeling. Probably, he is afraid of it and, as a result, he rejects it.
Already at the beginning of the story it becomes clear that Gordon is rather unconfident person. For instance, when he learned that Veronica liked him, he couldn't believe it. Thus, the fact that “she found him “interesting” struck Nickles with wonder. It came from her brother Christopher, and Nickles was afterwards amazed, given his joy and terror” (Sebacher). Nickles’ reaction proves that his self-esteem is quite low. He is surprised that someone shows interest in him. Moreover, he was a bit irritated. Such an unexpected reaction proves that the boy is not ready for love and that he rejects it. He seems to be inhibited as well. Moreover, Nickles’ friends also get surprised by Veronica’s feelings for Gordon. Probably, he is not very popular guy at school.
It is important to note that despite his rejection and the fact that Veronica was not of his type, Gordon truly was infatuated. One night he even drove to her house. The place was in complete darkness and the boy “felt as though all the light had left the world, which was not an entirely unpleasant feeling, somehow” (Sebacher). It is clear that Gorden fell in love and that this feeling changed his whole vision of the world. It is clear that although the boy was afraid of love, he still was attracted by this feeling.
It is possible to say that Gordon is also rather romantic and even vulnerable person. Thus, once his friend claimed that “if he ever knew love in its totality he’d be dead in the act, and for days Nickles suffered moments of such sweet fear” (Sebacher). The fact that Gordon associates love with sweet fear proves that he is very romantic and even a bit naïve. Probably, he fantasized about love many times. Gordon can be also called rather sensitive person. Thus, he spends a lot of his time dreaming about love. He associates the feeling of love with something special and unusual.
Nevertheless, despite being fascinated by love, Gordon is still afraid of this feeling. It is clear that the boy is too indecisive. There is always one step that the boy cannot make. There is always something that prevents him from turning his fantasy into reality. For instance, when Veronica’s brother arranged their meeting, Gordon admitted that he was scared and terrified at this day. He was not able to cope with his feelings and, as a result, he simply ran away. Again, it proves that Gordon was scared of love and that he rejected this feeling. He refused to accept Veronica's love. Possibly, it was simply not the right time for the boy to fell in love. All in all, it is clear that love undoubtedly affected Gordon and his perception of life. It is clear that he will never forget about his first love.
Works cited
Joyce, James. “Araby”. Fiction. Web. 6 Jun. 2016
Sebacher, Neil. “Veronica's poetry”
