Vitality and death in The DeadIn his short story The Dead, James Joyce creates a strong contrast between Gabriel, who is emotionally lifeless, and the other guests, who are aging physically . and close to death. Although physical mortality is inevitable, Joyce shows that emotional sterility is not, and Gabriel ultimately realizes this and decides that he must follow his passions. Throughout the story, a strong focus on death and mortality, a focus that constantly reminds us of our inevitable end to physical life, prevails in Joyce's selection of details. In the story, invincible death ultimately triumphs over life, but it brings triumph to the central character, not loss. Despite the presence of death, the characters' passions and individuality flourish in contrast, an irony that Joyce dares to make humorous. Every year, Kate and Julia Morkan, two aging sisters, host a dinner at their home in Ireland for their loved ones and music students. and peers. The two ladies, often called aunts due to their relationship with the main character Gabriel Conroy, make sure to put on a festive event full of dancing and rich in food, even though they are not rich. The story begins at the beginning of this party, and we first learn about Lily, the youngest person in the story, who serves as the housekeeper. She is described as a growing girl, but also as "pale-complexioned", indicating weakness and fragility. Even its “nickname, that of the funeral flower, serves as a symbol of death”. Joyce comically describes the busy girl with a "hyperbolic figure of speech ("running away"), which, although figurative, is offered to the reader to be accepted 'literally'" (Benstock 165), alluding to a imminent death. ...... middle of paper ...... Gale, 1990. 239-245.Friedrich, Gerhard. “The Perspective of Joyce’s “Dubliners.” » College English (March 1965) Vol. 26 No. 6. Rpt. in Twentieth-Century Literary Criticism Vol. 35. Detroit: Gale, 1990. 166-169. Handy, William J. “Joyce’s “The Dead.” » Modern fiction: a formalist approach. Rep. in Twentieth-Century Literary Criticism Vol. 35. Detroit: Gale, 1990. 183-189. Joyce, James. “The Dead”. Dubliners. Rep. in The Norton Anthology of English Literature. New York: WW Norton & Company. 2345-2373. Magalaner, Marvin and Kain, Richard M. Joyce: The Man, the Work, the Reputation. Rep. in Short Story Review Vol. 3. Detroit: Gale, 1990. 222-224. Walzl, Florence L. "Gabriel and Michael: The Conclusion of 'The Dead'." James Joyce Quarterly (Fall 1966) Vol. 4 n°1. Rep. in Short Story Review Vol. 3. Detroit: gale, 1990. 233-239.