Dubliners

A Little Cloud

A Little Cloud: Summary

The story, "A Little Cloud," follows the life of Little Chandler, a timid man living a mundane life in Dublin. When he reunites with his successful friend Gallaher, Chandler feels inferior and trapped in his life. He regrets his marriage, and feels his aspirations of becoming a poet are unreachable.

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Overview & Analysis

"A Little Cloud" is a poignant exploration of unfulfilled dreams, dissatisfaction, and the struggle with one's place in the world, set against the backdrop of 20th century Dublin. The protagonist, Thomas "Little" Chandler, is a meek, married clerk with poetic aspirations. He contrasts his domestic life with the glamorous, independent life of his friend, Ignatius Gallaher, which triggers a deep sense of discontent and regret in him.

The story opens with Little Chandler’s anticipation of his meeting with Gallaher, his old acquaintance who has found success in London as a journalist. The meeting stirs feelings of envy and dissatisfaction within Little Chandler about his own mundane existence. He is discontented with the banality of his life, his low-paying job at the King's Inns, and his unexciting marriage. This is highlighted when Little Chandler bitterly thinks, "He felt acutely the contrast between his own life and his friend's and it seemed to him unjust."

Gallaher, in his success and worldliness, embodies everything that Little Chandler covets. He is the epitome of freedom and individualism, in stark contrast to Little Chandler’s constrained and monotonous life. However, Gallaher's success and lifestyle are portrayed with a certain vulgarity, suggesting that the pursuit of worldly success can lead to a loss of moral and cultural values. Gallaher's comment, "I mean to marry money," exposes his selfish motives and lack of genuine affection, painting a bleak picture of worldly success.

The setting of Dublin plays a crucial role in reinforcing Chandler's feeling of entrapment and mediocrity. The city, with its "dull inelegance" and "stunted houses," symbolizes Chandler's life – stagnant, uninspiring and devoid of opportunities. His longing to experience life in cities like Paris and London reflects his yearning for a different life – one that is liberating and intellectually stimulating.

Amid his internal turmoil, Little Chandler dreams of becoming a poet. He wishes to give voice to his "temperament of melancholy," which he feels sets him apart from others. The fact that he fails to write a single verse, however, underscores his lack of courage and creativity to break away from his monotonous existence.

The story reaches its climax with a powerful epiphany when Little Chandler, in his frustration, shouts at his crying child. The sudden outburst reveals the protagonist’s realization that he is "a prisoner for life." As Joyce writes, "He caught himself up at the question and glanced nervously round the room … A dull resentment against his life awoke within him. Could he not escape from his little house?" The latent anger and dissatisfaction within him spill over, resulting in a moment of cruel clarity about his life.

The final scene, where his wife rushes in to comfort the child, further emphasizes Little Chandler's alienation and powerlessness. His inability to comfort his own child and the accusatory gaze of his wife amplify his feelings of worthlessness and solitude.

In conclusion, "A Little Cloud" is a profound narrative that delves into the human condition of dissatisfaction, unfulfilled dreams and the struggle to find one's place in the world. Joyce effectively uses the character of Little Chandler to depict the tragic consequences of a life lived in fear and hesitation, highlighting the importance of individualism and courage to break free from societal constraints.

Characters