Question

Symbols help readers understand the larger themes of a story. One of the major themes of Joyce’s “Araby” is the urge to escape the monotony of daily life. Which symbol in the story contributes most to this theme, and why?

the bazaar because it represents the inaccessible land of freedom to the narrator

Mangan’s sister because she represents domesticity and routine to the narrator

the marketplace because it represents the suburban lifestyle to the narrator

the church because it represents spiritual healing and renewal to the narrator