Explication of Joyce's Clay Maria is a humble woman leading a life tinged with longing. She recognizes and values her independence, yet at the same time moves in a tide of inevitability towards the place molded out for her within the relatively staunch social caste system of Dublin. The substance of her individuality is put in jeopardy by is plasticity to external forces; she is a woman made of clay. It seems her calling within society is that of a nun, however it is evident that still flickering insider her is the dream to escape this imposed destiny, to live a life like the one depicted in the song she sings, I Dreamt that I Dwelt. The fundamental conflict between Maria's individuality and the pigeon holing forces of society is the underlying tension of the story. Joyce makes us feel that her chances are slim in standing against the currents leading her towards life in a convent. However, Maria's destiny is far from written, both literally and metaphorically, and so we are left with the esperance, however small, that she may break of the manacles of her born position and dare to lead a truly independent life.Maria is all things of a woman predestined to enter a convent. Even her name, meaning Mary, points to this ecclesiastical inertia. Early in the story it is Joe who says of her, "Mamma is mama but Maria is my proper mother." (Joyce, 96) Joyce knows in writing this the probability that all our minds will immediately spring to the a likely connection: that of the Mother Mary. Adding to this composite portraiture are Maria's tendencies of phrase, "Yes, my dear and No, my dear" (Joyce, 95) which, in our minds, easily adapt to the cliches of the convent Yes, my child and No, my child. Further, Maria is regarded as a "veritable peace-maker" (Joyce, 95) among those who know her, "always (the one) sent for when the women quarrelled over their tubs and always succeed(ing) in making peace." (Joyce, 95) At this point even the re...
