The three stories titled "Araby", "Eveline" and "Clay" are all short stories from James Joyce's Dubliners collection. These stories describe the lifestyle of the middle class of early 20th century Dublin. All three of these stories deal with many of the same themes, and the main characters in each have a lot in common. In the first story, "Araby", a boy describes his love for his friend Mangan's sister. Although he has never spoken to her, he imagines himself in a myriad of different heroic situations, all of which describe a grand romantic gesture to win her affection. This shows his great desire for something more in life. The boy promises Mangan's sister that when he ventures to Arabia, he will return with a gift for her. This first interaction between the two is a huge step for the boy, who can't wait to get to Araby. Throughout the story, the boy appears frustrated with the mundane routine of his life, which is a recurring theme in all three stories. . He also seems frustrated with his age and would like to see himself as an adult. I had almost no patience with the serious work of life which, now that it stood between me and my desire, seemed like child's play, an ugly and monotonous childish game. play. (Joyce, 2217) At the end of the story, when the boy finally arrives in Araby, he doesn't end up bringing Mangan's sister a gift after all. Although he never makes it implicitly clear why he gave up his venture, we get the feeling that the boy finally realizes how unrealistic his expectations were. In the story, "Eveline," a young girl (though older than the prepubescent boy in the first story) sits at a window sill, reflecting on her past and imagining her near future. The narrator describes And...... in the center of the paper ...... repeats the first line twice, which is significant for her character. I dreamed of living in marble halls With vassals and servants at my side And with all those who gathered within those walls that were my hope and pride. I had riches too great to count, I could boast of a high ancestral name, but I also dreamed, what pleased me more, that you still loved me just the same. (Joyce, 2229) These texts could suggest Mary's desire to be loved. The fact that he repeats them could be a Freudian slip that alludes to his internal desires. Once again, we see a character set in his ways and eager to break free. All three of these stories deal with characters tragically condemned to the routine of their lives. James Joyce uses different themes and motifs to connect these characters to each other, and all three have epiphanies, which are more desperate than anything else..