Analysis
The analysis of the short story “The Dead” by James Joyce shows that it follows a linear plot structure. The events take place chronologically during a single night. There is a flashback in which Gretta Conroy remembers a man she knew as a young girl.
The main characters in the story are Gabriel Conroy and his wife, Gretta. Their interactions with the other characters at the party, as well as their conversation in the hotel ultimately leads to Gabriel’s revelation at the end of the story.
The physical setting is a Christmas party held in a Dublin household at the beginning of the 20th century. The social setting explores attitudes towards religion and patriotism.
The story is told from the point of view of a third-person narrator, who has access to Gabriel’s thoughts and feelings. Throughout the narrative, we mostly see things from Gabriel’s perspective.
The language is formal. It reflects the main character’s worldview. There are several instances of irony in the story.
You can read a more detailed analysis in the following pages.