James Joyce's “After the Race” and “Two Gallants” from his collection The Dubliners have two very divergent plots that both exhibit various literary elements. “After the Race” tells the story of Jimmy Doyle's quest for wealth and high reputation, unable to see beyond his temptations. He wishes to fit in with the wealthy upper class people he hangs out with, but is not competent enough to meet the requirements. “Two Gallants” tells the story of Lenehan, a young man who makes an unconventional living through deception and theft. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Although he wants a stable job and a family before he gets old, he is unable to resist the temptation to make money with his methods. Looking at the lives of Jimmy Doyle and Lenehan from an archetypal and symbolic approach, both characters are archetypes of characters who did not meet the fulfillment they desired in their troubled lives. Overcome with remorse, Jimmy and Lenehan avoid and neglect their problems. Jimmy, who lives a life of fake wealth and falsehood, chooses to immerse himself in his riches although he is always aware of his reality. He is enthusiastic about the experience of driving the French car and often thinks about his status and the reputation of his company. “It was pleasant, after that honor, to return to the profane world of spectators, between nudges and meaningful glances. Then, as for money, he really had a large sum under his control. (Joyce). The story paints Jimmy as haunted by his presentation, convincing himself that he belongs among his traveling companions. On the other hand, Lenehan fully recognized the complications in his life: wanting a stable job and a family. His meal of ginger beer and peas allowed him to contemplate his self-centered and deficient life spent with his thieving partner Corley. However, Lenehan does not attempt to distance himself in any way; he does not deviate from the plan his partner has prepared and continues to follow Corley after their mission is successful. Both characters' personalities show that they are nowhere near earning the life they wanted. Additionally, both characters' personalities in the company of others contrast significantly with their personalities when alone. “Now that it was just his face looked older. His cheerfulness seemed to abandon him, and when he came near the railing of Duke's Lawn, he let his hand run over it. (Joyce). Unlike the caring and agile personality he projects on his own, Lenehan feels the need to behave indifferently towards the waitress who serves him in the shop, speaking rudely and changing his body language to negate her “air of kindness”. His behavior also changes around Corley, making conversation with cliché responses and carefully chosen answers to avoid provoking his partner. In comparison, Jimmy seems calculating but remorseful when he is alone, constantly reflects on his actions towards others, and is elusive about the amount of money he spends on unnecessary activities. Although he pays tribute to his father who invested in his studies and business, do not fail to pay attention to the fact that his father fostered his entire lifestyle, providing him with a prestigious education and excellent contacts. Without his father in his life, Jimmy would be left completely alone, even less satisfied with his life than he already claims to be. Lenehan and Jimmy Doyle further confirm that fulfillment is not achieved by assuming a different personality. Jimmy Doyle and Lenehan both have moments of revelation where they render themselves..