Dubliners

The Boarding House

The Boarding House: Summary

The story revolves around Mrs. Mooney's boarding house, her daughter Polly's relationship with a boarder, Mr. Doran, and Mrs. Mooney's determined efforts to ensure Mr. Doran marries Polly.

Below there's a list of introductory articles on "The Boarding House" that will help you in your research.

Overview & Analysis

"The Boarding House" is a tale of manipulation and social restraints. James Joyce explores the themes of manipulation, societal expectations and the power dynamics in relationships. It's set in a boarding house run by Mrs. Mooney, a determined woman who escaped an abusive marriage and is now making a living by managing a house full of boarders.

Mrs. Mooney is portrayed as a scheming and cunning woman who is determined to secure a good future for her daughter, Polly. After separating from her abusive husband, she retains the care of her children and firmly establishes her independence. "She went to the priest and got a separation from him with care of the children." Her boarding house, home to tourists and city clerks, is a representation of her financial independence and strong will. Mrs. Mooney manipulates situations to her advantage and is capable of making stern decisions when necessary.

Polly, her daughter, is initially introduced as a naive girl who is seen flirting with the male boarders. However, Mrs. Mooney, being a 'shrewd judge', knows that these young men are only 'passing the time away'. Mrs. Mooney is aware of a growing relationship between Polly and one of her boarders, Mr. Doran, and decides to use it for Polly's advantage. "She watched the pair and kept her own counsel." Polly is portrayed as a young woman exploring her sexuality and falling for a man who is also her mother's tenant.

Mr. Doran is a man caught in the societal norms and expectations of the time. He is older than Polly and has a reputable job, but finds himself in a predicament after an affair with Polly is exposed. The fear of losing his reputation and job puts him in a vulnerable position, which Mrs. Mooney capitalizes on. He is torn between his desire for freedom and social expectations, symbolized by his thoughts: “Once you are married you are done for, it said.”

The main conflict arises when Mrs. Mooney decides to confront Mr. Doran about his affair with Polly and essentially forces him to marry her daughter. "There must be reparation made in such cases... For her only one reparation could make up for the loss of her daughter’s honour: marriage." Mrs. Mooney uses societal norms and Mr. Doran's fear of losing his reputation to her advantage, showcasing her manipulative character.

The resolution of the story is implied rather than explicitly stated. Mrs. Mooney calls Polly down to speak with Mr. Doran, leaving readers to assume that the marriage will take place. The text states: “Come down, dear. Mr Doran wants to speak to you.” This is an indication that Mr. Doran has decided to take responsibility and marry Polly, showing how societal pressures often dictate personal choices.

The story exhibits an "epiphany," a common motif in James Joyce's works, where a character experiences a sudden revelation or insight. In this story, the epiphany occurs for Mr. Doran when he realizes the societal implications of his actions and succumbs to the pressure. He is aware of the power Mrs. Mooney holds over him and the societal expectations that bind him. This realization is what pushes him towards accepting the marriage.

Overall, "The Boarding House" provides a vivid picture of societal norms and power dynamics between genders during Joyce's time. The story critiques societal expectations and the power they hold over personal freedoms, encapsulated in Mrs. Mooney's manipulations and Mr. Doran's forced decision.

Characters