nicholas hu reading response 1

Nicholas Hu

Reading Response # 1

Question 1

                In each of the stories, there is a relationship between man and woman. Each one of the stories has its own message about relationships.

                I think the strongest message is in the story Dubliners, by James Joyce. I can see a message of how ending a relationship can result in negative consequences. The relationship doesn't necessarily have to be lovers, it can even be just a relationship between friends. However, that line between friends and lovers is attempted to be crossed. I can relate with Mr. James Duffy in a way, where he would rather live a life of solitude rather than be in company. It's strange when someone starts a conversation with you, it feels rather awkward. Especially if you're talking to a stranger. This stranger, however, was a married woman who is extremely lonely at home. I pity her, having to raise a daughter pretty much by herself. If I were in her shoes, I would want someone. I think what gave her the idea of talking to James Duffy was because she needed someone. Socially, mentally, and even sexually. She could have gone crazy if she didn't have someone to really talk to. She took the chance of getting closer with James Duffy and was rejected. When she did cross that line, he cut her off. He didn't want to be in her company any further. I don't think this was a good idea, considering her background. I would have tried to keep her as a equal friend, and nothing more. They were so close! But Mrs. Sinico tried to stray from her husband, which was a terrible thing to do. I don't think it really made sense for James Duffy to try to cut all relation with her, considering how far he went from being a person with no friends or relations to having an extremely close friend who would openly listen to him. She ends up getting hooked onto alcohol and spirits and dies. However, that part is on her, not James Duffy. She became irresponsible.