Structure

When analysing a literary text like “A Painful Case” by James Joyce, it is always a good idea to start by looking at the way the author has chosen to structure it.

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Title

The title – “A Painful Case” – announces that the story is going to be about something painful, yet the use of the word “case” makes us think of an impersonal or objective report which is perhaps about physical injuries.

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Beginning

The beginning of the short story, or the exposition, is rather long and focused on the main character, Mr Duffy. The narrator describes Mr Duffy’s orderly life in detail starting with the way his room is organised and continuing with the way he looks, his job and his daily routines.

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Middle

The middle of the short story forms the rising action and climax. The rising action presents the evolution of the relationship between Mr Duffy and Mrs Sinico, from acquaintances to friends and intellectual companions up to the point of tension when Mrs Sinico misinterprets Mr Duffy’s intentions and alludes at a sexual connection:

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Ending

The ending of the short story comprises the falling action and the resolution of the plot. The narrator details the circumstances of Mrs Sinico’s death and registers the reactions of Mr Duffy to the news.

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