The description in this story has symbolic touches. What do you think the ‘window’, the ‘gathering dusk’, the ‘dusty cretonne and its odour’ symbolise?

James Joyce had used a lot of visual imagery in her story, Eveline. Through the imagery of window, the writer symbolises the opportunity to elope that she has got just like a ray of sun falls in from the window and weight of memories and responsibility flashing through her. Like with the opening of the window, fresh breeze comes in, window symbolises opportunities and happiness.

Similarly, ‘gathering dusk’ and ‘dusty cretonne and odour’ symbolises dullness and lifelessness. It portrays monotony and tiresomeness of life. With the dark colour of room, the writer has shown the burden of memories and dullness of Eveline’s life.

Thus, the writer has drawn a contrast between opportunity and burdening memories.