Religion in James Joyces Dubliners Essay - 1452 Words

Religion in James Joyces Dubliners Religion was an integral part of Ireland during the modernist period, tightly woven into the social fabric of its citizens. The Catholic Church was a longstanding tradition of Ireland. In the modernist spirit of breaking away from forces that inhibited growth, the church stood as one of the principal barriers. This is because the Catholic faith acted as the governing force of its people, as portrayed in†¦show more content†¦This is mainly due to the fact that both adhere to a certain agreed ideas of how people should act. The majority of any given population makes decisions on a daily basis using both law and religion to guide their actions. However, when matters of fairness and equity are questioned the government must make an adhered to ruling. In the story â€Å"The Boarding House†, Joyce presents us with an image of Ireland where religion is the governing force in determining equitable situations. This is clearly apparent when Mrs. Mooney experiences trouble with her marriage and seeks a separation. This situation is described as, â€Å"She went to the priest and got a separation from him with care of the children† (72). For most societies a situation like this would fall under the category of civil law, and be decided in a court of law. The fact that Mrs. Mooney went to the priest to solve a domestic dispute, and not to an attorney shows that the citizens of Ireland regarded the church as the head figure of Ireland. Anytime that the ruling authority of a country is anything other than its own constitution, the only outcome is a constricted and less prosperous society. This is evident in emerg ing countries where two or more political parties fighting for control of the people. When a religion is the head of state for a country, the actions of its people are subjected to moral and ethical beliefs. This is unfair in concept, due to the fact not all citizens of aShow MoreRelatedAraby and James Joyce1207 Words   |  5 Pageswork of James Joyce. His vocalized ambition of acquainting fellow Irish natives with the true temperament of his homeland is apparent throughout the story. Joyce’s painstakingly precise writing style can be observed throughout â€Å"Araby† as well. Roman Catholicism, which played a heavy role in Joyce’s life, also does so in the story which is another aspect which makes Joyce’s authorship of the story unmistakable. As a result of Irish heritage displayed in â€Å"Araby† along with evidence of Joyce’s unmistakableRead MoreA Similar Life Within A Story: Eveline by James Joyce1443 Words   |  6 PagesThe heart ache of losing a loved one is indescribable. Many people live out their lives based off how that one person would want them to live. James Joyces short story, Eveline, is an example of how promises are hard to break. 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