Blog#2

"She had consented to go away, to leave her home. Was that wise? She tried to weigh each of the question. In her home anyway she had shelter and food; she had to work hard, both in the house and at the business. What would they say of her in the Stores when they found out that she had run away with a fellow? But in her new home, in a distant unknown country; it would not be like that. Then she would be married-she, Eveline. People would treat her with respect then."

Eveline desires to leave her home for a new lifestyle with her future husband, Frank. She makes the decision seem obvious by stating how your present life consists of caring for her abusive father and fufilling the duties of a mother, while her new life will consist of new experiences and respect. However, she constantly ponders what she should do. At first she's happy to leave her home, but then she is sadden by the idea of not achieving the promises of her mother.
The story illustrates the idea of change. Eveline desires change, but is unable to go through with the process. She holds the letter she had written to her family and recalls memories she has had, which are examples showing she can't let go of the past.
Eveline is the first woman protrayed in The Dubliners and her actions show why not as many women of the time created a new life for themselves when given the opportunity. Eveline is unable to accept change with Frank and stays at the docks "like a helpless animal". She losses all emotions and the motivation to move on. The diction at the end of the story suggest her transformation into a life without will and emotion, for her opportunity to advance has disappeared.