Paralysis in Dubliners

Throughout the Dubliner's, the reader is invited to embark upon a journey which systematically forces them to consider the impact of banality, and its recurrent effect on flawed characters. Joyce provides us with broken characters in the cultural surrounding of Dublin, which merely enhances the degree to which their flaws are extroverted. For the purpose of this essay, ‘Counterparts' will form the basis of our discussion. To build on this, we will investigate the theme of paralysis, as witnessed and exemplified throughout by the self-destructive exploits of our protagonist, Farrington.

In discussing the presence of paralysis in ‘Counterparts', it is important to note that it is the mechanics by which our protagonists in counter its effects that is the most significant aspect. In constructing his novel, Joyce illustrated the constraining and circular ability that the power of city of Dublin had over its inhabitants. In ‘Counterparts', we can see that Farrington is particularly subject a form of paralysis, as he is ruefully unhappy in his mundane and repetitive existence. Farrington works the same job, with the same people, completing the same routine on a daily basis. Joyce introduces to what seems like a painful existence with no apparent exit route. To quote Farrington directly ‘His body ached to do something, to rush out and revel in violence. All the indignities of his life enraged him' (77). Farrington is intriguing as we see a man who's only means of escaping the paralytic nature of his existence is alcohol. It is at this moment that we begin to realise the mindset of our Dubliner, Farrington, and those who surround him in the "comfort of the public house" (79). If Dublin employs a culture of paralysis amongst its inhabitants, then alcohol is the vehicle through which they seek momentary freedom, at a detrimental cost financially, domestically and spiritually. The atmosphere within the pubs, coupled with alcohol, provided a safe refuge from the paralysing nature of real life. The Public Houses of Dublin were, in essence, an amicable hiding place for the men and women of Dublin,