A Painful Case
Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1914
13
Short Story • Fiction
1914
Adult
18+ years
"A Painful Case" by James Joyce is about Mr. James Duffy, a solitary, meticulous man who befriends Mrs. Sinico, a married woman. As they develop a deeper intellectual and emotional connection, Duffy becomes uncomfortable with the intimacy and ends the relationship. Years later, he learns of her tragic death, leading him to confront his own loneliness and emotional isolation.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Unnerving
Bittersweet
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Readers and critics appreciate the psychological depth and emotional nuance in James Joyce's A Painful Case. The story's exploration of loneliness and regret resonates deeply. However, some find the plot slow and the protagonist's introspection excessive. Overall, the narrative is praised for its rich character study and impactful themes.
A reader who would enjoy James Joyce's A Painful Case appreciates intricate character studies, themes of isolation, and the subtleties of human emotions. Fans of introspective literature like Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway or F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby will find this story compelling with its profound psychological depth and social critique.
464 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
13
Short Story • Fiction
1914
Adult
18+ years
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