A Comparative Analysis of Themes in James Joyce's Dubliners

let's compare the narratives, themes of paralysis, and instances of epiphany in these stories : The Sisters, An Encounter, Eveline, Clay, and A Painful Case.

Narrative Style

The Sisters: The narrative is presented in a first-person point of view. The narrator is a young boy recounting his memories with Father Flynn and reflecting on his death.

An Encounter: This story is also narrated in the first person. The narrator is a boy recounting his adventure with his friend Mahony.

Eveline: This story employs a third-person, allowing its readers insight into Eveline's thoughts and emotions.

Clay: The narrative is presented in the third person, and uses a free indirect style, giving insight into Maria's thoughts.

A Painful Case: The narrative is in the third person with a free indirect style, providing insight into James Duffy's thoughts and emotions.

Paralysis

The Sisters: Paralysis is seen in the priest's illness and death, which reflects a physical stagnation.

An Encounter: Paralysis is symbolized through the routines of the boys' lives and their inability to break free from their normal activities.

Eveline: Eveline's paralysis is emotional, as she is trapped between her desire for escape and her fear of leaving home.

Clay: Maria's sense of stagnation symbolizes a kind of paralysis, particularly in her emotional life.

A Painful Case: Duffy's emotional detachment and inability to connect with others reflect a form of paralysis in his life.

Epiphany

The Sisters: When the young boy realizes the priest's death's, and understanding both of life and death.

An Encounter: When the boys realize they've been talking to a pedophile, and challenging their innocence.

Eveline: When she decides not to run away with Frank, recognizing her duty to her family.

Clay: When Maria receives the clay and reflects on her life's missed opportunities.

A Painful Case: Duffy’s realization the results of his emotional detachment and missing an opportunity for genuine connection.

References

Johnson, J (ed) 2008 Dubliners Higher Education, (Link)
Haslam SA & Asbee SU (eds) 2010, 'The Twentieth Century'. (Link)