"Two Gallants," a short story from James Joyce's collection Dubliners, follows the lives of two young men, Lenehan and Corley, as they roam the streets of Dublin in pursuit of their own selfish desires. Lenehan is a struggling young man, always looking for a way to make money, while Corley is a manipulative womanizer. The story unfolds as Corley boasts about an affair he had with a wealthy servant girl, leading Lenehan to question Corley's motives. When they encounter a maid named Lucy, Corley sets his sights on seducing her for money. Lenehan grows increasingly uncomfortable with Corley's actions but reluctantly follows him. Eventually, they encounter a young couple in a carriage, whom Corley discovers to be the wealthy father and his daughter. Corley unsuccessfully attempts to get money from the daughter, leading Lenehan to reevaluate their friendship. Throughout the story the two explore the many aspects of life that they learn and explore each in an individual way. So without further ado, let us join Lenehan and Corley on their journey.
Men who masquerade as noble men can ultimately reveal themselves as deceptive and morally corrupt. The title "Two Gallants" from James Joyce's book Dubliners holds deep meaning within its simple phrase. The term "gallants" originally referred to men of noble birth or high social standing. However, in the context of this short story, the term is ironic, as it characterizes the two protagonists, Lenehan and Corley, who possess neither nobility nor integrity. The two men are portrayed as opportunistic and self-serving, constantly scheming and manipulating others for personal gain. Both Lenehan and Corley are driven by their desires for money and control, using their wits to exploit those they encounter. The title "Two Gallants" therefore serves as a critique of the characters' false appearances, presenting them as the opposite of what the term originally conveyed. It exposes their lack of honor, morality, and true gallantry, reflecting the deceptive and manipulative nature of Dublin society at the time. Not everyone is what they look like on the outside. As they say, never judge a book by its cover.
Different societies have their own story and history behind it. The theme of corrosion of Irish society is prevalent throughout the story "Two Gallants”. The narrative aptly captures the decay and moral degradation within the social fabric of Dublin, as represented by the two main characters, Lenehan and Corley. Their manipulative and exploitative behaviors reflect a society where greed, deceit, and immorality have taken hold. Lenehan and Corley's actions highlight how individuals within this corroded society prioritize personal gain over human connection and integrity. They navigate the streets of Dublin with the sole purpose of using and manipulating others to fulfill their desires. Lenehan's willingness to aid Corley in his unethical pursuits further emphasizes the degrading moral values prevalent in the Irish society depicted in the story.
The streets of Dublin also serve as a physical manifestation of the corrosion within Irish society. The corrosion of Irish society, depicts a world where greed, deceit, and moral decline have eroded the values and connections between its inhabitants.
Most people like to feel like they belong, but not everyone feels like that, some experience a lack of belonging. The theme of lack of belonging resonates deeply in the story "Two Gallants" from James Joyce's Dubliners. The characters Lenehan and Corley shows this theme as they roam the streets of Dublin in search of gratification, driven by a sense of detachment and alienation. Both characters, despite their attempts to engage with others, navigate their lives without experiencing any genuine connection or acceptance from society. Lenehan's constant yearning for companionship and a sense of place is evident throughout the story. His longing for belonging is palpable as he seeks solace in the presence of Corley. However, their friendship is based on manipulation and exploitation rather than a genuine bond. Similarly, Corley's actions, driven by a desire to elevate his own status, further accentuate the theme of a lack of true belonging. The fleeting interactions with other characters they encounter during their night in Dublin only magnify their isolation and perpetual search for acceptance. Lenehan and Corley feeling a lack of belonging emphasizes the profound sense of disconnection and lack of belonging prevailing in Irish society.
Two Gallants is a story about the life of two men, Lenehan and Corley. The theme of lack of belonging in James Joyce's "Two Gallants" is vividly depicted through the characters' desperate search for connection and acceptance in Dublin society. Lenehan and Corley, driven by their overwhelming sense of alienation, form a shallow friendship based on ulterior motives rather than genuine companionship. Their futile attempts to find solace and belonging highlight the pervasive absence of meaningful connections in their lives. Throughout this novel we also see the streets of Dublin better and have a better understanding of life. Let us join the two gallants on their adventure.
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