We are predetermined. But do our genes really determinate us or are we able to actively influence our destiny? Maybe there is only progress in civilisation because of the interaction of genes and the active human being, or neither of them is of importance because our environment, which provides us all of our experiences, is the solely responsible for our fate? These questions become increasingly important in society. To answer them in a proper way is not only the task of parental education but becomes more and more important to teachers as well. We have to become aware of how influential our own actions are to others, especially to children, who are still in progress of defining their own personality. If we can comprehend to what our development depends on, we maybe can improve it actively, have a positive influence on the next generations and by that on the future of mankind. The theoretical approach to deal with the topic is named socialisation. I will apply this by analysing the character of Eveline in the eponymous short story of James Joyce´s Dubliners. In the case of Eveline, the damage is done and I argue that she could not run from who she was either. Intensively discussed why Eveline could not leave from her invidious life, when she had the chance to, I claim that there has been no chance to her whether to leave or not. Her heteronomous character gave her no permission to run away from her home. For my argumentation I will take into consideration the theoretical approach of socialisation levels by Klaus-Jürgen Tillmann.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Socialization
- Eveline – the 'subject'
- Social interaction
- Institutions and Society
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This work aims to explore the concept of socialization and its impact on individual development, using James Joyce's short story "Eveline" as a case study. It examines how societal structures, family dynamics, and personal experiences contribute to shaping an individual's choices and destiny. The analysis focuses on the interplay between individual agency and societal constraints.
- The concept of socialization and its different levels of influence.
- The impact of family dynamics and societal expectations on individual development.
- The role of agency and constraint in shaping individual destiny.
- An analysis of Eveline's character and her constrained choices.
- The interplay between personal experience and societal pressures.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the analysis by posing fundamental questions about determinism versus free will in shaping human lives. It introduces the concept of socialization as the theoretical framework for the study and highlights its relevance to education and understanding human development. The chapter uses the quote "We can't run from who we are" from the film *Rounders* to frame the central question of the extent to which individual agency is possible given social and familial influences. The author argues that understanding the factors that influence our development allows for a potential positive impact on future generations. The analysis of Eveline's character in James Joyce's "Eveline" serves as the primary case study.
Socialization: This chapter provides a theoretical background on socialization, defining it as the study of how individuals develop habits and character traits under the influence of language, culture, and society. It raises crucial questions about the extent of free will, the role of education and parenting, and how early value formation affects individual choices and freedom. The chapter introduces Klaus-Jürgen Tillmann's four-level model of socialization: the subject, social interaction, institutions, and society as a whole, laying the groundwork for analyzing these levels of influence on Eveline's life.
Eveline - the 'subject': This chapter delves into the analysis of Eveline's character, highlighting her passivity and lack of agency. It describes her monotonous life, oppressive father, and low self-esteem. Her escapism through daydreams and reliance on prayer to guide her decision-making underscore her inability to assert her own will. The chapter emphasizes Eveline's strong sense of duty and her fear of societal disapproval as key aspects of her personality, contributing to her inability to leave her difficult life.
Social interaction: This chapter examines the impact of Eveline's social interactions, particularly her family, on her development. The dominant and potentially abusive presence of her father is analyzed as a significant factor in shaping her passivity and fear. The chapter highlights the lack of support and opportunity for Eveline, emphasizing how the power dynamics within her family restrict her agency. Her father's control over finances and his dismissive attitude contribute to Eveline's feelings of helplessness and dependence.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Socialization, individual agency, societal constraints, family dynamics, determinism, free will, Eveline, James Joyce, Klaus-Jürgen Tillmann, passive character, oppression, duty, societal expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Socialization in James Joyce's "Eveline"
What is the main focus of this academic work?
This work analyzes the concept of socialization and its impact on individual development, using James Joyce's short story "Eveline" as a case study. It examines how societal structures, family dynamics, and personal experiences contribute to shaping an individual's choices and destiny, focusing on the interplay between individual agency and societal constraints.
What are the key themes explored in the analysis of "Eveline"?
Key themes include the concept of socialization at different levels of influence, the impact of family dynamics and societal expectations on individual development, the role of agency and constraint in shaping destiny, an analysis of Eveline's character and her constrained choices, and the interplay between personal experience and societal pressures.
What is the structure of the analysis?
The analysis is structured into chapters covering an introduction, a theoretical discussion of socialization, a close reading of Eveline's character, an examination of her social interactions (particularly her family), and a concluding chapter. It utilizes Klaus-Jürgen Tillmann's four-level model of socialization (the subject, social interaction, institutions, and society) as a framework.
How does the analysis define socialization?
Socialization is defined as the study of how individuals develop habits and character traits under the influence of language, culture, and society. The analysis explores the extent of free will, the role of education and parenting, and how early value formation affects individual choices and freedom.
What is the role of Eveline's character in the analysis?
Eveline's character serves as the primary case study. The analysis highlights her passivity, lack of agency, oppressive family life, and the impact of societal expectations and duty on her decision-making. Her inability to assert her own will and escape her difficult circumstances are central to the analysis.
What is the significance of Eveline's family dynamics?
Eveline's family dynamics, particularly her relationship with her potentially abusive father, are analyzed as a significant factor in shaping her passivity and fear. The lack of support and opportunity within her family, and the power dynamics that restrict her agency, are key elements of the analysis.
What are the key keywords associated with this analysis?
Key words include Socialization, individual agency, societal constraints, family dynamics, determinism, free will, Eveline, James Joyce, Klaus-Jürgen Tillmann, passive character, oppression, duty, and societal expectations.
What is the overall argument or conclusion of the analysis?
The analysis explores the tension between individual agency and societal constraints, demonstrating how societal structures, family dynamics, and personal experiences significantly shape an individual's life choices. Understanding these factors is presented as crucial for impacting future generations positively.
What theoretical framework is used in this analysis?
The analysis uses Klaus-Jürgen Tillmann's four-level model of socialization as its theoretical framework, allowing for a structured examination of the influences on Eveline's life at the levels of the individual subject, social interaction, institutions, and society as a whole.
What is the purpose of the chapter summaries provided?
The chapter summaries provide a concise overview of the content and arguments presented in each section of the analysis, offering a quick guide to the key findings and discussions within each chapter.
- Quote paper
- Marcus Wenzel (Author), 2013, "Eveline" by James Joyce. The Social Influence on a Human Being, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/450713
