Topic > Realism in James Joyce's poems 'Araby' and 'Counterparts'

James Joyce observed that 'in realism we get at the facts on which the world is based; that sudden reality that reduces romanticism to pulp." James Joyce expresses this clearly in his two poems "Counterparts" and "Araby". Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayPoem AnalysisThe poem Counterparts describes the life of a man who is evidently frustrated with his life. He is unhappy in his career and stresses himself out with alcohol, an unhealthy addiction. He then takes his frustration out on his son, showing us an unhealthy family dynamic. Similar to life experiences, the end of the poem is not a resolution or a fairy tale ending. The fact in Farrington's life that he wants a change in his life but does not actively pursue it, so he is stuck and frustrated, is the reality many people experience. Similarly, for Farrington in Counterparts the nameless boy in "Araby" faces frustrations, unable to fulfill his desires because he has to go to "Araby" and bring a gift to Mangan's sister. The reality of life is very different from the fantasies we have in our heads, yet without a doubt reality reduces them to mush. In the poem Counterparts we are faced with the life of a young man, unhappy and frustrated, with no real meaning or desire to live. the life he lives. This is first shown to us when the character is at work, he is first taunted by his boss at work about a report he needs to complete before a client arrives, however, Farrington starts daydreaming and can't concentrate about his job, then slips out of the house. he works for a beer, upon returning he is greeted by his boss and gives him the unfinished work. When he reads that his boss is unhappy with his job and Farrington receives criticism, Farrington is irritated and dissatisfied with the job and decides to go back to what got him into trouble in the first place, the repetition in his life upsets him and he is not able to do it. leak. These are the facts on which his world, repetition, is based. Despite the daydreams, despite how much he believes the drink will make him feel better, there is no change throughout the poem, his anger continues to grow and he takes his frustration out on his son. Unaware of any problems caused by him, he takes out his frustration by beating his son. Farrington's life represents the statement “in realism we arrive at the facts on which the world is based; that sudden reality that turns romance to mush” is unable to process the fact that his actions lead to consequences encounters various problems throughout the story but fails to realize that the problems are of his own making. Another example would be when he hogs his watch to feed his drinking habit, while he is aware of spending money but ignores it and continues to feel frustrated, then attempts to talk romantically with a woman and is ignored, then continues to feel frustrated . Then he gets home and realizes that his wife isn't home and can't have dinner early due to the fire going out and takes out all his frustrations on the only person who can, his son. The idea of ​​life is not romanticized in this tale. The reality of Farrington's life is that many people feel stuck and are unable to remove the cycle because they are unaware that they are causing their problems. Just like in Counterparts, Araby has a strong sense of realism, conveying the harsh truth of Farrington's life. life of a teenager in the countryside. An unnamed young boy falls in love with his sisters' friend. It's clear that Mangan isn't paying much attention to the boy, however!9/