Love in Joyce's "Araby"

     Love isn't a conquest with a first place trophy, it is more of a journey. A journey that winds through deep forests of fear that don't always end in a happily ever after. There is despair, hardship, and self-doubt that travels along the journey with Love. In Araby, there is a mental darkness that overshadows the young man as he tries to win over the heart of the young girl. Love turns out to only be an escape from the real world when the young man's frustrations take over his mind. It is almost a nostalgic story, reminding the audience of a puppy love they once experienced. 

    Joyce's story has many levels to it. It is a story of unrequited love, and the developing character of the young man also makes this a coming of age story. As a child grows up there are many heartbreaks that they can experience. The young man is heartbroken in the end when he finally understands that bringing his friend's sister a gift from the bazaar won't win her affection. A common heartbreak is that of unrequited love whether it be filial love or romantic love. The young man doesn't have the confidence to make his love known and therefore struggles with the despair of loving someone from afar. 

    Araby could be considered a tragedy, only if it is a minor tragedy. When the young boy realized that the women would never care for him as much as he cares for her, he realizes his dreams were merely delusions. His delusions were exaggerated by the bazaar. It was portrayed as an enchanted place, a way to get away from the filthy streets of Ireland The name of the bazaar is significant because "Araby" in and of itself is supposed to sounds erotic. However, it turns out the bazaar is just an ordinary market, there is nothing special. It only serves to end his romantic adventure. Yet, the young man still experiences an epiphany at the end that is more of an emotional realization. In the end, it was the subconscious insecurities of the young man that caused him to not fulfill his quest.