Eveline's Epiphany

James Joyce's "Eveline" deals with the Joycean paralysis and epiphany. The death of Eveline's mother set in motion her desire to escape from the bad and dull life she is currently in, which consist of an abusive father and brother who left home. Eveline didn't want to end up the same way as her mother, a 'housekeeper,' but after her mother's death, she made a promise that she would take care of the household. Frank is viewed as her only escape from this reality and opens up an opportunity for a new life. During the final scene, Eveline is paralyzed as she was so close to freedom with Frank. Her mother dying words, "Derevaun Seraun," which means "pleasure ends in pain," probably affected the outcome of her final decision of whether she should go with Frank for happiness or stay to take care of the household and father. Eveline's final decision could have a combinations of many reasons ranging from her obligation to her mother to the lack of love for Frank. In the end, Eveline's epiphany is that Frank is her only escape from her grim future, but fails to act because she is imprisoned by her past.