nce and strong character are evident at one other point in the novel, when Gabriel offers to escort her home. She declines, shouting “For goodness sake go in to your suppers and don’t mind me. I’m quite well able to take care of myself.” (p. 205) Molly Ivors sees that their answer to the disturbance will simply be to retreat into their lives, and she becomes enraged at this, though nobody can seem to understand why. Within a moment, this incident is quickly forgotten and they turn to their dinner for comfort. Molly Ivors, however, is not simply important in the story of the characters lives but her position as a nationalist, makes her a significant symbol in the tragedy the country is facing at the time. Miss Ivors is independent, takes pride in her own opinions, and refuses to fall victim to those of anyone else. Joyce seems to say that if the general populace of Ireland could stop ignoring their problems, then they, like Molly Ivors could stand up for the nation they once believed in.These many incidents which occur continually throughout the novella prove that “The Dead” is indeed a tragic story. While the lives of the characters are tragic in themselves, the parallel symbolism serves to show the true tragedy of the Irish nation. Possibly, Mary Jane makes the most significant point in the story when she comments that the snow is “general all over Ireland.” (p. 222) The snow covers over the truth and the people do nothing to stop it, but instead add a covering of their own. Molly Ivors, the one person who refuses to ignore the situation, is pushed aside and quickly forgotten, because the society depicted is incapable of handling those who wish to seek truth. Instead they continue as if their had been no disruption, and allow the snow to fall and cover the ground once more. ...
