Summary

The short story “Eveline” by James Joyce begins with a 19-year-old woman named Eveline Hill looking out the window of her home. She recalls past times, when she was little and used to play with other children, and when her mother was alive.

Eveline thinks about leaving home or continuing to support the household. She thinks about her shop worker job, about taking care of two children, and about her father. Eveline recalls past times, when her father was abusive towards her brothers, and compares the situation with the present, when he is abusive towards her. One of Eveline’s brothers, Harry, sends money home, but Eveline always has trouble getting money from her father. 

Eveline thinks about her relationship with Frank, a sailor who wants to marry her a...