What Is The Role Of Paralysis In The Dead

Gabriel Conroy, the main character in James Joyce’s The Dead, showcases symptoms of paralysis throughout the entire story. He is another example of the paralysis that afflicts the denizens of the late 19th and early 20th century Dublin. At the start of the story and throughout the story leading up through the middle, nearing the end of the story, we see the case that Gabriel Conroy is, in fact, showcases symptoms of paralysis. At a first glance we see Gabriel Conroy as a self-absorbed individual, who only cares about himself and how others see him. He comes paralyzed by his self-consciousness and by doing so; he avoids conflicts and has a superiority complex. But as the story goes forward we see a change in his character, and push out of his paralysis towards a new man.

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Without having everything under his control, He doesn’t know how to act around others. Seen on page 156, we can see the effects of Greta’s result of not allowing to be controlled by her husband, something that her husband didn’t like and also something that went against what the common thought was on marriage. But, also by being an academic man, Gabriel doesn’t know how to converse with individuals of different classes and educational levels than he is. The term ‘socially awkward’ comes to mind. In addition, he gets a sense of uncomfortability when someone is opposing his attitudes and viewpoints. Instead of defending himself, we see him run away from these conflicts. Like seen on page 163, when Miss Ivors calls him out for his reviews in the Daily Express, where he doesn’t go by his full name. From the passage on page 155 about his attitudes towards the other guests of the party we see that Gabriel Conroy is