- James Joyce
We do not know if she did. We will never know; neither will she. However, one cannot help but wonder why she made the decision she did. Some believe what whe did was right; others do not. The thing to do in this situation is to look at both points of view.
First, we are presented with every reason that Eveline should leave. She did not like the store where she worked. Her boss was too bossy. When she left to be married, "People would treat her with respect then." Her father did not seem to love her; "he would do to her only for her mother's sake." Her mother was dead now. What had she to stay for? On Saturday nights hse had to "squabble for money."
Eveline starts to reflect on her relationship with Frank.
Joyce then starts to slip in the other point of view. What about the children left to her care? She alone was the one to feed them. Should she really leave her father to her brother so unexpectedly? Then she remembers how once every blue moon her father is nice to her. He made her "toast on the fire."
Finally she decides to stay, not to get on the boat, even though her love calls to her: "Evvy!"
Why, why would she do this? Is she stupid? Is she smart? Personally, I ko not know what I would have done. Either way I would always wonder, 'What if?'
I was faced with similar circumstances before I move to Illinois. I did not have any control on the outcome, but I still had mixed emotions. I would have a better life there. But am I being selfish? What about my friends? Are they selfish for wanting me here? Personally, I do not believe there is a right or wrong answer, just you own personal decision.
