Setting

Physical setting

The events described in the short story “Eveline” by James Joyce take place in Dublin, Ireland. This is indicated by the title of the short story collection Dubliners. The main events spread over the course of a few hours.

Part of the story takes place in Eveline’s house, by the window. The place is symbolic and represents Eveline’s passiveness, as she only watches others out the window and does not act. Moreover, the house symbolizes monotony and makes Eveline feel trapped in a routine she dislikes.

When she recalls past times, Eveline thinks about the field where she used to play with other children. The field symbolizes freedom, which Eveline used to enjoy before her father became violent and chased the ch...