retta "unresentfully"( ), and with a "strange friendly pity" ( ), even as he realizes how poor a part he has played in his wife's life. He recognizes that his love is not on the same plane as Michael Furey's because no one, not Gretta or another, has ever made Gabriel wish to die (the way Michael did for Gretta). Then Gabriel and his world Maraguglio 3dissolve. Most likely he is falling asleep; but Joyce says that his "soul had approached that region where dwell the vast hosts of the dead.”( ) The dead, Michael Furey, is overcoming him.Gabriel, by his ideas, tastes, and sensitivities has been isolated from others, but always found support in his self-esteem. Michael Furey has destroyed this. Michael was first in Gretta's love and Gretta is incapable of perceiving the importance that this has for Gabriel. By introducing Michael Furey, Joyce provides an explanation to Gabriel’s statement in his speech: How “living affections” claim “our strenuous endeavors.” ( )...
