The awakening of Dubliners : Ibsen's influence on the young James Joyce

Abstract

This dissertation attempts to recognise and analyse the overall influence of the Norwegian dramatist, Henrik Ibsen, on the young developing artist in Ireland, James Joyce. 'The First Stirrings from Slumber' is an introductory chapter that discusses Joyce's early readings of Ibsen's plays, their impact on him in his university days, and the aspects of Ibsen's playwriting that Joyce admired and wished to emulate. 'A Paralysed Labyrinth' takes an in-depth look at each of the stories in Dubliners, looking closely at the theme of paralysis and the emerging concept of the epiphany. 'The Awakening of the Dead' is entirely dedicated to discussing the correlation between 'The Dead' and Ibsen's plays Ghosts and When We Dead Awaken, pinpointing the theme of past and present, the use of symbolism, and the portrayal of women and domestic life. The final chapter seeks to recognise the musical element that is present in 'The Dead', as well as throughout Dubliners. 'Sleepers, Awake! On a more musical note' attempts to bring to the fore the background music that gives Joyce's stories their Irish colouring. Music is an interesting feature in literature and the theatre. In this case, I will be looking at instances of music in Dubliners, particularly in 'The Dead'.