SECTION III: Maturity

Stories:

“A Little Cloud,” “Counterparts,” and “A Painful Case”

In Section III the theme of paralysis explores the world of mature adults who are aware of

the trap(s) into which they have fallen and the spiritual and personal paralysis that led them

there and keeps them there.

SECTION III - LANGUAGE James Joyce uses other languages through Section III to reflect the “maturity” theme. “Parole d’honneur” (French) “word of honor” “Deoch an doruis” (Scottish Gaelic) "a drink at the door" A. Match each word to its meaning. Use the pictures below to help you. 1. Revery (N) ____

2. Ardent (Adj) ____

3. Furtively (Adv) ____

4. Chaff (V) ____

5. Impertinent (Adj) ____

6. Squalid (Adj)

7. Exonerate (V) ____

A. To do to something in a sneaky or sly manner

B. To relieve of a responsibility. To clear from accusation or blame

C. Absentminded dreaming while awake

D. Extremely dirty and unpleasant

E. To tease good-naturedly

F. Passionate, fervent, devoted

G. Rude, uncivil, irrelevant, inappropriate, or absurd

Revery Furtively sneak around Ardent Prayer Squalid conditions

“ALittleCloud”(76-94) Little Chandler goes to a fancy bar to meet his old friend Gallaher whom he hasn’t seen in eight years. This forces him to compare their two lives and he sees himself as hopelessly trapped in a dull, depressing existence. 1. Why does Little Chandler admire Ignatius Gallaher? How did he know that Gallaher was destined for success? Where does Gallaher now live? (78-79) 2. What does Little Chandler believe one must do to succeed? What does this commentary say about Joyce’s opinion of his birth place? (79) 3. What is Little Chandler in a state of revery while on his way to meet Ignatius Gallaher at the bar? (80) 4. How do Little Chandler’s and Gallaher’s perceptions of Paris differ? What does this say about their personalities? Their lives? How does Dublin compare to the other European capitals? (83-85) 5. How does the last scene with his crying son and his wife neatly sum up Little Chandler’s life? (94)

London Press Moulin Rouge Paris Dublin early 1900s

Envy & Frustration

Epiphany. Regret. Desire to escape.

“Counterparts” (84-97) A counterpart - a person or thing having the same function or characteristics as another Farrington is a lazy, incompetent copier and an abusive husband and father. He tries to escape the depression, rage, and hopelessness caused by the mess he has made of his job and home life through “liquid lunches” and drunken evenings out with the boys. The circumstances of Farrington's life embody the very worst of Dublin:

constricting workplace drinking problems unhealthy family life

1. Why does Alleyne call Farrington into his office? What do Mr. Alleyne’s complaints about Farrington tell us about Farrington? What is Farrington’s reaction to these complaints? 2. What got Farrington off to a bad start with Mr. Alleyne? What does this say about Farrington? 3. Where does Farrington go after work? How does Farrington get enough money to go drinking? What is his reaction to getting money in this way? What does this say about him? 4. What is the basis for conversation between Farrington and his friends? What do these stories say about them and about their lives? 5. What is wrong when Farrington gets home? What does Farrington do about the problem? Compare Farrington’s treatment by his bosses to his treatment of his son? What is the irony in this comparison?

“A Painful Case” (119 – 131) This story is about true love and losing your chance for it. 1. Why does Mr. Duffy insist on being invited to Mrs. Sinico’s house? Why doesn’t her husband protest his visits?

2. In their growing relationship, what does Mr. Duffy provide for Mrs. Sinico? What does she provide for him? 3. What ruined the relationship for Mr. Duffy? What does this say about him? What does it say about Mrs. Sinico? 4. How is Mr. Duffy initially affected by Mrs. Sinico’s death? What does this initial reaction reveal about him? Is his reaction surprising? Why or why not?

5. What is Mr. Duffy’s ultimate realization about his role in Mrs. Sinico’s death? How do you think this will affect the rest of his life?

ACTIVITIES FOR SECTION III

1. Create a board game for the “Maturity” stories in which the goals of the main characters is to achieve their objectives without being stalled or paralyzed by internal or external forces. Losers are paralyzed and can’t overcome their internal obstacles (Examples: Winners solve their problems in a positive way or mature way! Losers are not proactive, are impulsive, etc.) Creativity points = use color, cardboard, games pieces, etc. Make it look like a real board game!

2. Three people maximum, but helpers can receive extra credit. Cue cards can also be made for audience members:

Write a script for a talk show focusing on the main characters from “A Little Cloud,” “Counterparts,” and “A Painful Case.” Allow your characters to tell their stories and audience members to comment on these characters’ plights.

Panel members (characters, psychologists, and the talk show host) should also take part in giving advice to each other. (Creativity points = Wear a costume! Move around and act! Change your voice and put on an accent!)

3. Two people maximum. Only one pair per class:

Organize a class debate in which male-female relationships are discussed. Touch on issues raised in “Section III: Maturity.” For example: marriage, independence, friendships, and/or adultery. Prepare arguments for each side based on characters’ opinions from Dubliners as well as information gathered in independent research. (Remember that you would be the teacher for this day! Come see me for a day that you can plan this!)

4. Make a “maturity mobile.” This could consist of positive and inspirational words, quotes, and or images that encourage mature and inspirational behavior. (see examples below)

http://www.ehow.com/how_4886191_make-wire-hanger-mobile.html

or http://www.essortment.com/craft-wire-hanger-mobile-65184.html

Journal Questions

• Write about a recent argument or disagreement with a friend, parent, teacher, or other adult. Now write about it from the other person’s point of view and then from the point of view of an objective observer. • Brainstorm a list of individuals who have dedicated their lives to the service of others. Discuss advantages and disadvantages of living such a life.

Challenge questions! (Extra Credit)

1. Explain the meaning of the titles “Clay” and “Little Cloud.” Who are the counterparts in the story “Counterparts”? Cite the text to support your discussion.

2. In the story “Little Cloud,” compare and contrast Dublin to the other capitals discussed. What do the characters say about Dublin in comparison to Paris, London, and Berlin? From their comparisons, how would you judge Dublin in comparison to the other three capitals? 3. In the story “Counterparts,” why does Joyce make Farrington a large man? How would the story have been different if he had been similar in physique to Little Chandler? 4. In the story “Little Cloud,” Little Chandler emphatically insists that Gallaher will get married some day. Why does he defend the institution of marriage so strongly? Is he arguing out of loyalty to his own marriage? Explain.

5. Compare and contrast the concept of romantic love espoused by Gallaher in “Little Cloud” to that espoused by Mr. Duffy in “A Painful Case.” 6. Compare and contrast the male-female relationships in the stories. Considering that Joyce apparently had a happy marriage himself, why does he paint such a bleak view of marriage in these stories? How does his view of marriage here reflect his view of Dublin?