Kerry has been a teacher and an administrator for more than twenty years. She has a Master of Education degree.
The Dead by James Joyce Discussion Questions
Table of Contents
ShowJames Joyce's 'The Dead' is part of a collection of short stories about people in Dublin, Ireland called Dubliners. This is a story about a party that is filled with irony and themes surrounding how death affects life. The questions in this asset will guide classroom discussions about this story.
To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member.
Create your account
The questions in this section will help students learn about the characters and their background.
- What part does music play in the Morkan house? Why do you think there are so many musical references in this story? What does music symbolize?
- Why are the Morkans having a party? What are some annual traditions at your house? What parts do you enjoy and what parts do you wish you could bypass? What are some challenges the Morkans anticipate?
- Describe Lily's attitude towards boys. Why do you think she feels this way? How does her behavior affect Gabriel?
- What is your first impression of Gabriel? What do you learn about Gabriel, Julia, and Kate from their interactions? How does the death of Gabriel's mother impact Gabriel's relationship with his aunts? What influence does Gabriel's mother have on his relationship with Gretta? What are some examples from your family of the effect of someone who has passed, on those who are living?
To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member.
Create your account
The questions in this section discuss Gabriel's interactions with the party guests.
- Why do Miss Ivors' remarks bother Gabriel? Do you think she means to offend him? Explain your answer. How does this interaction change your opinion of Gabriel?
- There are several discussions of politics and religion. What impact do these conversations have on the mood of the party? What are some true life examples of this happening?
- Why is Freddy's trip to the monastery ironic? What is the symbolism of monks sleeping in coffins?
- Why do you think Gabriel chooses to compare the hostesses to the daughters of Zeus? How does his audience respond to his tribute to the dead in the speech? Why do you think he includes it?
- Compare the guests' reaction to the speech to Gabriel's anticipation of the speech. Why do you think the reality is so different from the expectation? How does Gabriel's behavior change after the speech? Why?
To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member.
Create your account
This section contains questions about Gretta's confession and its impact on Gabriel.
- When Gabriel sees that Gretta is moved by a song, how does he respond to her? Why is this ironic? What songs inspire an emotional reaction from you? Why?
- How does Gabriel respond to learning about Michael Furey? What do you think motivates his reaction? What does Gretta need from Gabriel? Why is he unable to fulfill her needs? How does Michael Furey's death contribute to Gabriel's insecurity? What advice would you give him?
- What does snow symbolize in this story? What types of imagery do you see in the last paragraph of this story? How does it contribute to the reader's response.
- Why do you think Joyce chose to write about the impact of the dead? What message do you think the author is sending to readers of this story? Do you agree with him? Why?
To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member.
Create your account
Register to view this lesson
Unlock Your Education
Become a Study.com member and start learning now.
Become a MemberAlready a member? Log In
BackResources created by teachers for teachers
I would definitely recommend Study.com to my colleagues. It’s like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. I feel like it’s a lifeline.