To what extent is Eveline's refusal to board the ship based on her judgment and will? Has she decided not to go?
The actual extent of her will is very limited. Again and again, she describes leaving as "impossible" while tenaciously "clutch[ing] the iron railing." She metaphorically fears "he would drown her" in "...the seas of the world tumbl[ing] about her heart." She is even described as "passive, like a helpless animal." All point to this moment transcending the act of deciding and project a situation where she is compelled to stay. This highlights the "spiritual paralysis" of the citizens of Dublin through Eveline. Eveline is essentially "paralyzed" on the deck just as she is about to be free of her burden at home. Her duty she feels she owes to her mother, coupled with her life thus far and the culture of Dublin keep her from leaving.
Truth.
First, that song is stuck in my head, and it is obnoxious. Furthermore, hey Mr. Knickerbocker, boppity bop.
ReplyDeleteAdditionally, I felt like she really wanted to go and will regret not going later. I feel like she just failed to decide quickly enough if that was what she really wanted. I suspect we'll talk about it in class tomorrow, though.