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Alienation

Gabriel Conroys character in The Dead leads readers to believe Gabriel is an


outsider. Although many of the other characters respect and enjoy Gabriels
presence, there were a few that seemed to make him feel uncomfortable. When
Gabriel and his wife arrived at the party the women immediately took his wife with
them, leaving him to clean the snow from his outer garments which led to an
awkward conversation between himself and Lily. After the conversation he
questioned his response and where the conversation was actually going; even as he
entered the room he was still curious as to how he came across to Lily. At a later
moment on the dance floor he found himself in another awkward conversation with
Miss Ivors. Miss Ivors questioned Gabriels loyalty to their homeland, due to an
article she read in the paper. The conversation left Gabriel feeling alienated, alone,
and left to think about the conversation. Gabriel on numerous occasions alienates
himself by losing himself in his thoughts. He seems at many times throughout the
story to escape awkward situations by consuming himself in his thoughts.
In essence, his thoughts and worries are what ultimately alienated him from the
others at the party. While alone with his wife, he again finds himself contemplating
the events of their lives together. When she reveals a secret from her past, he
immediately begins to over think what she reveals. As he sits alone he feels more
alone than ever; it seems as though he feels he would be better off alone or gone,
possibly even dead. Ultimately he feels alone due because he finds himself
wondering if he actually knows anything about the people in his life. When he thinks
he is doing well, he is bombarded by his thoughts. Just as he was when he wanted
to make a romantic move on his wife, his thoughts took over and he stalled.
It seems like a pattern for the writings of this time, many of the characters in the
stories read thus far seem to lead to many characters feeling alienated from the
outside world.
RESPONSE 1:
John,
I agree with your interpretation of Gabriel. I believe his character or behavior shifted
a few times during the story as well. As stated, the initial changed occurred with his
conversation with Miss Ivors. It seems she made him rather uncomfortable with
questioning his patriotism. Initially he appeared calm and controlled; as the
conversation progressed he seemed to become more perturbed. During his speech
he seemed to be in control of himself. I believe he found comfort speaking during
the gathering. I, however, think he had faced the greatest change after the speech
during the walk home with his wife. Once they entered the room to retire for the
night, his character shifted yet again. He found himself lost by his wives thoughts.
He seemed at the end of the story to return to his initial self. I think he wished to be

portrayed as a great individual, his speech did just that; unfortunately it was only
temporary.

RESPONSE 2:
Arnoldo,
I do not believe you could have put it any better. I think my posting is quite similar
to yours. He alienates himself. It seems that many of the characters we have thus
far read about alienate themselves due their inability to see anyone as an equal.
They all believe they are above those around them due to their increased
education. The initial part of the evening leaves him feeling this way at the door
when he enters, then again when he listens to the music as you stated. I believe the
final scene with him alone with his wife was the ultimate alienation. He could not
fathom how he could not have known about his wifes first love. He left him feeling
alienated from the world. After all, how could someone with his knowledge not see
something like that coming?

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