The main character of "The Dead" is Gabriel Conroy, a young Irish man who, amidst the forced gaiety of his aunts annual Christmas party, comes to realize that the life he is living is much different than he cares to admit. This unwillingness to face truth is a major theme in the story and ties in with their avoidance of problems their country is facing as well. Throughout the story, every time a controversy erupts, it is hastily buried amidst other conversations, more comfortable in their situation. At the very beginning of the story, Lily comments to Gabriel that "The men that is now is only all

Snow appears once more in the closing paragraph of the novella. After the Conroys arrive at the room they have rented for the evening, Gabriel feels an inexplicable lusting for his wife. Gretta's thoughts, however, are of a different nature as her mind lingers on thoughts of Michael Furey, a lover of long ago. Gabriel, not realizing that she is not thinking of him, asks what is on her mind and is shocked at the answer. For Gabriel, this reveals a whole new side of Gretta, and he realizes that throughout their marriage, she has been consistently comparing him to the deceased. At this point Gabriel finally sees how little he knows about his own life, and how much he and those he believes to be his closest friends and relatives, hide from truth. After Gretta falls asleep, Gabriel returns to the window and notices that "It had begun to snow again." (p. 236) Here the story implies that the snow had ceased as Gabriel finally began to see the truth. Joyce speaks of the snow as it covers "the hill where Michael Furey lay buried", (p. 236) and continues to fall "through the universe". Once more the covers that Gabriel hides behind fall back into place.

palaver and what they can get out of you." Reluctant to offer any true solution, Gabriel hands her a coin, using his money as an escape as he "walked rapidly towards the door." (p. 187) He quickly triess to cover up by "arranging his cuffs and the bows of his tie," (p.187) a meaningless activity, at best. The next blatant display of ignorance comes with the discussion of Freddy Malins. Aunt Kate whispers quietly to Gabriel "don't let him up if he's screwed. I'm sure he's screwed." When Gabriel brings Freddy up, however, he gives his seal of approval, agreeing that Freddy is not so bad tonight. All those in attendance refuse to recognize Freddy's alcoholism. Instead of confronting him, they simply avoid it and act as if nothing is wrong. Later, during a religious debate that is beginning to heat up, the characters again attempt to evade the issue. "... we really are all hungry and when we are hungry we are all very quarrelsome," someone says and they end by saying that they will "finish the discussion afterwards," (p. 205) a promise they all know is not true. They head to the dinner table with Gabriel in the lead, "ready to carve a flock of geese." (p.206) This tradition prevents them from having to have any further discussion on matters that they find uncomfortable. It is much easier for them to ignore reality and live in a world

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1693
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)