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Beth comments: Thanks Alaka for your comments on Counterparts. I agree that one message of the story is the frustration caused by poverty, also by mis-treatment, lack of respect, etc. Farrington's "ego boost" alas, doesn't manage to lessen his rage at his daily existence. I don't know if I see him as a perpetual vicitm either, unless Alleyne is, too. What struck me as I read of Farrington's increasing frustration and rage was its tie-in to the theme of alcoholism --"Five times in one day is a little bit . . . " says a co-worker after Farrington's sojourn for just a little nip to slake his apparently endless thirst. Definitely, this man's drinking is interfering with his work and home life. Joyce's recurring description of his "inflamed face, the colour of dark wine . . ." tells us that his drinking has affected him physically. His drinking could be seen as a sign of vicimhood, illness, weakness, punishment, depending on where you stand on the Causes of Alcoholism bandwagon. Does Joyce make it clear enough for us to interpret in only one way? We are warned early on that "the barometer of his emotional nature was set for a spell of riot." And so it is. Farrington's body and mind ache for an end to work and a bit of cash so he can spend an evening at the pubs, and he is briefly enboldened by the money in his pocket and the story he tells of how he one-upped his boss. But the inequality persists--the money runs out, the alcohol fails to numb him and finally he loses a test of strength to a younger man (Weathers) whom I take to be English as Farrington is urged by his friends to "uphold the national honor." He fails to do so when he loses the match. In addition to the themes of poverty, alcoholism and that vicious circle, Joyce adds yet another jab at Irish pride; bested by an Englishman! As Alaka points out, Farrington's only recourse is to go home and beat on someone smaller and weaker. HIs little son, Tom, rather than going on and kicking the dog, takes recourse in the Church, which does not save him from the beating. No more for now. Ditto Alaka's "please, please respond." -Beth |
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