James Joyce's short story "Eveline" portrayed a young, timid girl who lacked the self-confidence she needed to begin a journey into another life. Hindered by her father's selfish and self-centered ways, Eveline was unable to decide whether or not a new life would be good for her. She was torn between the anguish of leaving home, her strong duty to her family, and the promise-filled "new life" she is bound to have. Although this new life seemed quite desirable to her, Eveline stood fearful and paralyzed when forced to make a decision. Throughout the story, she portrayed a "helpless animal", who, lacked the self-confidence necessary to change her life forever.

For most of her life, Eveline was the backbone of her home. She dusted day after day, keeping the house together to the best of her ability. Not only did she fulfill her working capacity, but she also cared for the two young children that had been left to her responsibility. Eveline took care of the cooking and shopping duties as well as her father. She did what she was told and never gave a fuss about it. After some time, however, her father began to threaten her, and because of this, Eveline no longer felt protected.

Any nineteen-year-old would want to get out and try new things; however, Eveline was stuck in her traditional role with only her imagination to lead her to places that she has only dreamed of going. Deserted in a life "full of dust", Eveline could only search for the proper amount of love that she needed; love which was not given by her father. Eveline stayed insecure about her "new life" situation because of her father's opinion about Frank, her new love. She was afraid that if she left her father to be with Frank, he would be alone. Eveline knows that her father depends on her and that everything she does in life affects him. Also, Eveline is afraid of being treated unfairly instead of with respect. She knows that her father treated her mother in this manner and is afraid that if she attempts to discover a new life, she will be treated similarly.

Eveline was truly a woman trapped by her past. She was insecure about her life and was very uncertain about the future. Eveline knew, and told herself many times, that a life in her miserable home could not be as frightening as a brand new life with Frank. Eveline needed to overcome her past and look ahead to the future. She discovered that because she did not know what the future held, a dreary, patterned life could only be the right decision to make. Only through strong will and the encouragement of her new friend, Frank, could E

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Approximate Word count = 941
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)