Eveline - The Hard Choice between Family and Personal Goals

Introduction

The short story penned by James Joyce called 'Eveline' is the story not only of Eveline, but of many people like her who are faced with situations where they have to make a choice between their career, love and other goals of life, and family (Claxton, p. 114). The choices we make are a consequence of the things we go through in our lives. Our approach is formed over the years. There are many reasons that come into play here. The ups and downs of our lives, the upbringing, our parents, family and peers who have an influence on us. The experiences that Eveline faced in her life, in particular with relation to her financial problems and her father's attitude towards her, others and his responsibilities have framed her approach.

Discussion

Eveline comes from a troubled family. Her mother died an untimely death, and her father was an alcoholic (Joyce, p. 812). Ever since the death of her mother, Eveline took the responsibility of her siblings and made sure that they went to school on time and got their meals on time. Under these circumstances, the sole responsibility of her siblings rested on Eveline's shoulders. Her life has been disturbed, and when she meets the love of her life Frank, she thinks of the happiness that is her innate right but that she has yearned for all her life. She sacrifices her life and serves her younger siblings, Harry and Earnest. Her childhood memories are the ones she holds very dear to her heart. She thinks of the time she would spend with her brothers and sisters and the time she would play in the garden.

As she sits by the window, she thinks of the toughest choice that she will be ...