Mr Conroy The Dead

The character of Gabriel Conroy in ‘The Dead’ by James Joyce is portrayed as someone who is very self-aware of his status in society, but ironically unaware of how much the dead can influence the living, which is a common topic within the short story. Throughout the narrative the belief that the world of the living and the world of the dead are interconnected is explored by most characters, who believe themselves as affected on some level by those who have passed. Mr. Conroy on the other hand is firmly set on believing the dead should have no affect on the living, and thus lives his life oblivious to how much the dead have truly impacted him throughout his own life. Though Mr. Conroy may not believe the dead have any effect on him and thus should have no influence on him, he eventually comes to the realization that his life could have turned out very different. Those who have passed on play a rather significant role on the reasons behind people’s actions in not only the lives of those
The one that stands out the most regarding the dead is that of the coffins. Before the extended family and close friends sit to enjoy their meal, they talk about various topics; from dead musicians to the monks who sleep in coffins. The monks are said to sleep in their coffins “to make up for the sins committed by all sinners in the outside world [...] to remind them of their last end” (Joyce, 62). The topic of conversation fits in perfectly with both the theme of the dead, and the theme of new beginnings. Coffins are universal symbols of death as those who have passed on are (in most cultures) traditionally buried in them. The act of sleeping in coffins can be seen as penance, but also a respect for those who have passed and for those that awake each morning to face another day. Not liking the way the conversation is going; Mr. Conroy interrupts so that he may begin his speech. Mr. Conroy clearly states his stance on the dead