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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 5 page essay that argues against the premise taken by Martin F. Kearney's 2001 article on Joyce's short story "A Mother." This article offers a fresh interpretation of this story, as this critic argues that Joyce intended this short story to be read as an historical analogue to real events. Specifically, this critic feels that Joyce meant his story's protagonist Mrs. Kearney should conjure details from the life of real-life Irish patriot Anne Devlin, who participated in Robert Emmet's failed 1803 Dublin uprising. The writer summarizes Kearney's argument and then argues against his position. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Page Count:
5 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_khjoymom.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
short story to be read as an historical analogue to real events. Specifically, this critic feels that Joyce meant his storys protagonist Mrs. Kearney should conjure details from the life
of real-life Irish patriot Anne Devlin, who participated in Robert Emmets failed 1803 Dublin uprising. Supporting this argument, Martin Kearney cites proof that Joyce would have been fully aware of
Annes story and how she "three herself heart and soul" into this cause (Kearney 51). Joyce then draws parallels between the life of the historical Anne Devlin and Mrs. Kearney,
his protagonist, asserting that the reader is suppose to see Mrs. Kearney as a betrayed and suffering patriotic heroine in the same stripe as Anne Devlin. It seems true
that Joyce did intend his readers to consider Anne Devlin in contrast to Mrs. Kearney. Joyce states early-on in his story that Mrs. Kearneys maiden name was "Devlin"--"Miss Devlin had
become Mrs. Kearney out of spite" (Joyce). However, Martin Kearneys analysis breaks down when he argues that this comparison is suppose to make the reader see Mrs. Kearney in a
more favorable light. Rather than accomplish this goal, the sharp contrast between Anne Devins selfless patriotism and Mrs. Kearneys focused self-interest only serves to highlight the shallowness of the latters
character. Looking at both works shows belies Martin Kearneys arguments and demonstrates that Joyce had an altogether different point in mind. First of all, from the beginning of the
story, Joyce makes it clear that Mrs. Kearney is not a very agreeable or likeable woman. Joyce describes her as sitting "amid the chilly circle of her accomplishments, waiting for
some suitor to brave it and offer her a brilliant life" (Joyce). This passivity provides a sharp contrast with the historical Anne Devlin who was a woman of action, a
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