26 pages • 52 minutes read
The Dead
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Book Brief
64
Novella • Fiction
Dublin, Ireland • Early 1900s
1914
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In “The Dead,” from James Joyce’s Dubliners, Gabriel and Gretta Conroy attend a party hosted by Gabriel's aunts. As the evening progresses, Gabriel engages in conversations, delivers a speech on Irish hospitality, and reflects on his interactions. The night takes a poignant turn when Gretta reminisces about a former love, leading Gabriel to profound realizations about life and human connections.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Emotional
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
22,751 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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Review Roundup
The Dead by James Joyce receives acclaim for its intricate narrative and evocative portrayal of Irish society, rich with symbolism and depth. Critics praise its masterful prose and emotional resonance. However, some find its pacing slow and the story's subtlety potentially challenging for casual readers. Overall, Joyce's novella is celebrated as a profound literary masterpiece.
Who Should Read The Dead?
A reader who would enjoy The Dead by James Joyce is likely someone who appreciates introspective and character-driven narratives. They may enjoy the introspection of Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway or the rich, symbolic detail in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. This reader values themes of identity, memory, and social critique.
22,751 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
64
Novella • Fiction
Dublin, Ireland • Early 1900s
1914
Adult
18+ years
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