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narrative style and character in james joyces clay

d smiles after being asked if she wanted to purchase wedding cake, as though the thought appealed to her. A final example of Maria's sexual repression arises when she discovers that she has left the plum cake on the tram. Her conversation with the intoxicated gentleman causes her to be distracted. She later recalls " how confused the gentleman with the greyish moustache had made her, [she] colored with shame and vexation and disappointment" (pp182) The shame suggested here could simply indicate her feelings towards her absentmindedness however, Karen Lawrence Suggests it could also be construed as shame for having an interest in the man, which again suggests sexual repression. (Joyce And Feminism p.256 )The character flaws are not directly stated. Joyce uses a free indirect discourse; the narrative assumes the language and rapport of Maria-"allowing a third person narrative to exploit a first person point of view"(Concise Dictionary of Literary Terms p87). The narrative moves in and out of her consciousness. After the washer women settle in for their tea and Mooney proposes that Maria will receive a ring, "Ginger Mooney lifted up her mug of tea and proposed Maria's health she knew that Mooney meant well though of course she had the notions of a common woman". (pp181) The point of view is hidden within the narration. This technique allows the irony to be emphasized-what appears to be objective descriptions and observations are really expressions of Maria's personal bias. She is assuming that Mooney is sincere in her premonition of Maria getting married. It does not occur to her that she is being ridiculed. The description of the Halloween game is another example of Maria's version of life. As she blindly reaches for an object to signify her future, she finds death. Maria's version is more nave. Instead of realizing the significance of her choice, she simply assumes the commotion around her is signifying that she did somethin...

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