都柏林人

Dublin is not only the setting of the story, but also the symbol of Irish society. Joyce uses the word "paralysis" to describe this city. Whether it is political colonial rule, religious bondage, or conservative and closed social class, it is like invisible shackles, which imprison people's thoughts and actions. Although the characters in the book are in different classes and have different identities, they all fall into difficulties in their own lives and can't find a way out. They are desperate because of poverty, miserable because of emotional entanglements, or confused because of spiritual emptiness. This general state of "paralysis" reveals the deep problems of Irish society and reflects Joyce's deep concern about the fate of his country.