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.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Socialization
3. Eveline – the ´subject`
4. Social interaction
5. Institutions and Society
6. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Core Topics
The primary objective of this work is to analyze the character of Eveline from James Joyce's short story through the lens of Klaus-Jürgen Tillmann's socialization theory to determine whether her inability to change her life is a result of personal disposition or external societal constraints.
- Socialization theory and its four levels of influence
- Psychological analysis of the protagonist Eveline
- The impact of intra-familial social interactions on individual development
- Gender roles and societal pressure in the early 20th century
- The interplay between religious values and personal decision-making
Excerpt from the Book
3. Eveline – the ´subject`
What is striking from the beginning is the passiveness in which Eveline is described. About three-fourth of the story, she is just sitting at the window, lost in thoughts. Right in the first paragraph her passive character can be recognised by the line “in her nostrils was the odour of dusty cretonne” (James Joyce, Eveline 37), which emphasises that she does not even actively breathe in the odour. She is tired, exhausted by her hard, monotonous work. Her mind is absent, lost in dreams and memories. This is the way Eveline flees from her “hard life” (39) and her violent father. She builds up her own dream world by remembering the past and by imagining a joyful future where “People would treat her with respect” (38). The whole process of escaping reality is passive because she does not create or change anything by just thinking about it. In her daydreams she remembers the past, when “they seemed to have been rather happy” (37) and “had all gone for a picnic” (41). In these memories, the family picture was intact and life was better than in present. Now her life is monotonous, she has to keep the house for her oppressing father and her younger siblings. That is her role, to be a replacement for her dead mother, if she wants to or not.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: The introduction outlines the central research question concerning the influence of genes versus environment on human destiny, applying Tillmann's socialization theory to James Joyce's character Eveline.
2. Socialization: This chapter defines the theoretical framework of socialization as the study of human communal life and the development of character traits influenced by language, culture, and social institutions.
3. Eveline – the ´subject`: The text provides an in-depth character analysis of Eveline, highlighting her passivity, low self-esteem, and her inability to make autonomous decisions due to her dutiful nature.
4. Social interaction: This section examines how family dynamics, particularly the relationship with her oppressive father and her deceased mother, serve as fundamental barriers to Eveline’s independence.
5. Institutions and Society: This chapter investigates how wider societal structures, including gender roles and religious influence, force Eveline into a state of paralysis and social confinement.
6. Conclusion: The final chapter summarizes that Eveline remains trapped by her social surroundings and upbringing, concluding that she is unable to exercise free will against these deeply ingrained influences.
Keywords
Socialization, Eveline, James Joyce, Determination, Free will, Gender roles, Patriarchy, Social interaction, Institutions, Duty, Passivity, Dublin, Family dynamics, Christian morality, Individual development
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this study?
The work focuses on the psychological and social determination of the character Eveline, exploring how her environment and upbringing prevent her from escaping an unsatisfying life.
What are the central thematic fields covered?
The main themes include socialization theory, the impact of family dynamics, the influence of social and religious institutions, and the role of gender in early 20th-century society.
What is the primary research question?
The research seeks to determine whether Eveline's decision to stay in Dublin is a result of a genuine choice or if she is fundamentally constrained by her heteronomous character and societal influences.
Which scientific method is applied here?
The author applies the socialization theory of Klaus-Jürgen Tillmann, specifically utilizing its four levels of influence to analyze the protagonist’s narrative.
What is the primary content of the main chapters?
The main chapters transition from defining the theoretical framework of socialization to a detailed analysis of the protagonist's personality, followed by an exploration of her family environment and the broader societal pressures she faces.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include socialization, determination, gender roles, patriarchy, individual development, and the literary analysis of James Joyce's work.
How does the author interpret the "cage" metaphor regarding Eveline?
The author interprets the "iron railing" at the station as a metaphorical cage that both traps Eveline in her oppressive home life and provides her with a sense of protection from the frightening unknown of the outside world.
What role does religion play in Eveline's decision-making process?
Religion functions as a "last resort" for Eveline, who prays to God to direct her because she lacks the personal autonomy and confidence to make decisions independently.
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- Marcus Wenzel (Autor:in), 2013, "Eveline" by James Joyce. The Social Influence on a Human Being, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/450713
