Publication Date

Spring 5-2026

School

College of Arts and Sciences

Major

English

Keywords

Orality, literacy, modernism, James Joyce, Joyce, "The Dead", Ireland, Irish, Identity

Disciplines

Arts and Humanities

Abstract

In the early twentieth century, Irish cultural identity faced a crisis. After hundreds of years of oppression under English colonization and the devastating famine of the previous century, Irish cultural identity had been diminished. However, there was a political push to reclaim this identity. James Joyce, famed Irish author, lived through this era and personally struggled with his Irish identity. His short story “The Dead” explores the conflict existing in Irish cultural expression during this era. In this thesis, I address the contrast between literacy and orality which produces themes of cultural alienation and disillusionment in “The Dead.” Gabriel Conroy represents the qualities of a modern, cosmopolitan literate culture: internalized, subordinative, and liberal in his thought. He is contrasted with his distinctly Irish community that possesses the qualities of oral culture: externalized, additive, and conservative in their opinions. Conroy appeals to his surroundings by mimicking orality, but he internally condescends and belittles such a worldview. His self-conscious conflict mirrors on an individual the central conflicts of 20th century Ireland. Gabriel’s internal thought world contrasts with his external cultural expression which reveals a widespread conflict in modern Irish attitudes. The narrative of “The Dead” becomes animated by cultural and historical issues that are conveyed in the linguistic contrast between the literate and oral expression of the characters.

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