Chapter 2: Eveline

Answer. In the story, Eveline, the writer symbolizes the words ‘window’, the ‘gathering dusk’, the ‘dusty cretonne’ and its ‘odour’ as follows:

The world outside the window represents perception. From the narration, we can say that the outside world is new and unfamiliar to Eveline. She feels happier being with her loved one than being with her cruel family. She has seen and faced so many difficulties in her life that she doesn’t consider herself to be part of the outside world. She believes the world won’t accept her.

Similarly, ‘gathering dusk’ and ‘dusty cretonne and odour’ symbolizes boredom and lifelessness. Eveline has worked for her salary day and night for her family all her life keeping the promise given to her mother. It portrays her hopeless life. Hence, the writer has compared Eveline’s life to the room’s darkness, showing the burden of memories and boredom in her life.

Thus, the author has drawn a variation between opportunity and painful memories.

Answer. It is true to say that the story’s narration mainly revolves around the actions that happen virtually and are not valid in the real world. Most of the actions usually don’t take place in real life. The writer in the story is trying to showcase the thoughts through the events in Eveline’s mind since her childhood. The writer depicts the scenes through Eveline’s thoughts and emotions in a precise way. Thus, we can say the narrative proceeds through Eveline’s consciousness.

Answer. All the above-depicted expressions evoked the emotions of fear and weakness. Eveline was confused about whether to go ahead with her happiness or the promise given to her mother to stay back and fulfil her duties towards her family. She was in great pain, and her heart was very heavily loaded with emotions, making it impossible for her to go away with Frank. All these instances depict her loneliness and the burden of leaving her family for personal benefit.

Answer. The author focuses more on Eveline’s struggles, helplessness, and conflict between family, personal life, past, and future. The writer uses Eveline’s character to depict the story. The author does not make any judgement on Eveline.