Setting

 Physical setting

The short story “The Dead” by James Joyce takes place in Dublin, Ireland, at the beginning of the 20th century. 

Most of the story takes place in the home of Aunt Julia and Kate, during the Christmas party which they host every year. The story stresses the repetitive nature of the event as they have been holding this party for 30 years. This suggests they are stuck in the past. 

Their house is described as a “dark and gaunt house on Usher’s Island, the upper part of which they had rented from Mr Fulham, the corn-factor on the ground floor.” The atmosphere during the party is lively and, for the most part, joyful. It provides an accurate description of Irish society at the beginning of the 20th century. There are many characters in the story, all of whom are given a unique voice. 

The end of the story takes place at the Gresham Hotel, where Gretta and Gabriel are staying in Dublin. A cont...