Eveline

"Eveline"
James Joyce
p218

A recurring image in the story of Eveline is that of the "dusty cretonne". Yet, this image refers to more than simply an old piece of furniture or ratty curtains; it shows the inability for Eveline to make a drastic change in her life.

First mentioned in the beginning paragraph of the story, Eveline "sat at the window watching evening invade the avenue...in her nostrils was the odor of dusty cretonne," (Joyce, 218). This first image illustrates a rather stagnant woman unchanged, unmoved by time. She is reluctant to accept any change in her life, and this is reflected in the dust collecting on the old-fashioned fabric. However, the narrator lets us know that she is ready to make a drastic adjustment, which leads the reader to question whether or not the "dusty cretonne" was symbolic of the old Eveline who is now ready to move forward.

This seems like a very plausible occurrence until page 221 when the reader is again presented with the image of Eveline sitting "by the window...inhaling the odor of dusty cretonne," (Joyce, 221). The placement of the recurrence of the image is especially key to its meaning. As Eveline is about to leave to travel half way around the world with Frank, she again smells the familiar fragrance. This second presentation of the image represents her still unchanged heart and foreshadows her refusal to leave with the sailor. Also, following along with the doubling of images, Eveline is first depicted as looking out over the street and last depicted by looking out at Frank. This, again, reinforces her stolid nature.