Joyce's "The Dead"

English 202 (Spring 2003)

Dr. Fike

Discussion questions to get us into the story:

1. What does the title mean?  Who is dead?  How are they dead?
2. What details suggest mutability?
3. How does the point of view change over the course of the first few pages of the story?
4. What do Gabriel's encounters with Lily and Molly Ivors reveal about him?
5. What is the point of the debate on matters like vacationing on the Aran Isles?
6. What is the significance of the horse mentioned that is mentioned on page 250?
7. Gretta says, "You are a very generous person, Gabriel."  A few pages later, "Generous tears filled Gabriel's eyes."  Does the word generous mean the same thing in both cases?

Here are some things that suggest spiritual deadness:

1. Music
2. "Arrayed for the Bridal"
3. Appetite
4. Carnality (Gabriel's lust)
5. Ego (Gabriel's speech)
6. Religion
7. Water

The significance of names in "The Dead":

1. Gabriel
2. Freddy Malins
3. Browne
4. Bartell D'Arcy
5. Michael Furey

Gabriel's Transformation:

1. Key term:  epiphany
2. In what way does Gabriel change at the end of the story?
3. In what way might Joyce be suggesting a corrective to the problems of modern life?