does somebody know the story "Araby" by James Joyce? If so i need help!!?

Question

for my english class we need to find out why is the short story named "Araby"....so does anybody know.....pls. help!!

Answer 1

it certainly is not a "sweet" story.

it's about the desire to escape, and disillusionment.

the unnamed narrator thinks he's in love with mangan's sister, who is described as a "brown girl", reflecting the exotic image of the araby fair, and the romantisised images the boy has for the mysterious east, whilst going about the boring, mundane actions which make up everyday life.

the boy is held up and gets to the fair just as it is closing.

it is a major disappointment. all there is there are rose painted tea cups and "english accents". the boy doesn't buy the girl a gift as promised, and realises his dreams of love, and of escape are just that, dreams.

joyce would turn in his grave if he heard his work being called "sweet"!

Answer 2

It's a very sweet story from Joyce's The Dubliners short story collection about a young boy and first love. It isnt a very difficult read. The title Araby comes from the fair he goes to in order to buy a gift for the older girl he is in love with. The fair has an Arabian theme. Pax - C

Answer 3

Araby is a form of the word "Arabia" which hints at the mystique of the fair that the boy goes to

Answer 4

Well said Catrin I. Joyce would most certainly not characterize "Araby" as "sweet." Now, "the Dead" on the other hand, that's a REALLY "sweet" story... ; P

Answer 5

I think that if you read it, you'd know! It describes the fair that the boy visits- a reference to Arabia or the "Orient."

Answer 6

Sounds wonderful and mysterious, but it's really a big desert.