Setting

In what follows, we will discuss the setting of the short story “A Painful Case” by James Joyce.

Time setting

The greater setting of the short story “A Painful Case” by James Joyce is Dublin, Ireland, in the beginning of the 1900s.

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Physical setting

The smaller physical setting is comprised of several locations: Mr Duffy’s room which reflects his character, the concert halls, the parks, Mrs Sinico’s house and cottage, the Sidney Parade station where the woman is hit by the train, a bar.

Most of these elements are only mentioned to provide a map of Dublin and track Mr Duffy’s whereabouts and routines. This gives the story realistic authenticity and helps readers better imagine the characters in action.

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Social setting

The social setting places the action in the middle class of Irish society. Both main characters are educated and attend cultural events. Mrs Sinico is the stay-at-home wife of a ship captain and Mr Duffy is a bank clerk.

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