1. English Dubliners (1914)

2. History of Ireland - Partial medieval rule; heavy Protestant colonization in 1600s; political repression

3. Poverty in Ireland
As with many European cities, industrialization caused rapid growth. Living standards for the poor involved poor sanitation, and dangerous and poorly-paid work.

4. History of Ireland - Famines and uprisings; partition and home rule in 1921

5. James Joyce Dubliners A collection of short stories written by Joyce in 1904 but not published until The ‘poet in exile.’ - lived in Trieste, Italy - lived in Paris

6. The book is repeatedly refused by publishers or printers as it is considered obscene.

7. Joyce Themes - Ireland and nationalism: Ireland’s complex history as a subjugated colony of England - Joyce’s mixed feelings about “traditionalism” versus globalization? - Anti-clericalism - Money and poverty

8. Themes - Geographical realism
Themes - Geographical realism. The novel has many named streets and buildings that exist in real Dublin

10. Themes - Modernism in Dubliners: The narrator isn’t always sure; appearances are subjective - The short story frame and “impact” - Brief psychological portraits - Realism; shocking and vulgar depictions

11. Styles - Sad endings: Many stories end with fading or dying light, symbolizing hopes and dreams - Twist endings: A story which seems innocent has a harsh end which causes the reader to re-see the story - Some things are implied but not shown

12. Symbolism - Do characters mean themselves – or do they stand for Dublin / Ireland / life generally? - Does Joyce like his characters, or have contempt for their vulgarity / failure to act / betrayals? - Does Joyce have hope?

13. Issues - Why is it that no characters repeat between stories (but locations do)? - Are some characters smarter than others? Do some learn at the end of the story? - Many of the stories in Dubliners seem to end without a clear resolution. Is there a reason?