Dubliners · Chapter
Counterparts explained
Farrington, a copy clerk in a Dublin office, endures a humiliating confrontation with his boss Mr.
What happens
Farrington, a copy clerk in a Dublin office, endures a humiliating confrontation with his boss Mr. Alleyne, who berates him for missing a deadline. After a tense exchange, Farrington apologizes but feels enraged and trapped. He pawns his watch to fund a night of drinking with friends, but loses an arm-wrestling match to a younger man, deepening his humiliation. Returning home drunk and angry, he beats his son Tom for letting the fire go out.
Themes in this chapter
Paralysis and Entrapment
Farrington feels trapped in his job, his marriage, and his financial woes, unable to escape his cycle of humiliation and rage.
Alcohol and Escapism
Farrington repeatedly seeks solace in drink, using pubs to temporarily forget his frustrations, but alcohol only fuels his anger and leads to further violence.
Disillusionment and Lost Innocence
Farrington's defeat in the arm-wrestling match shatters his self-image as a strong man, deepening his disillusionment with his own life.
Characters to notice
- Farrington
The protagonist, a frustrated and physically imposing copy clerk who feels trapped in his job and seeks escape through drinking and violence.
- Mr. Alleyne
Farrington's petty and abusive boss, whose constant criticism and humiliation drive Farrington to rage.
- Nosey Flynn
One of Farrington's drinking companions, part of the group at the pub.
- Weathers
A young acrobat who defeats Farrington in an arm-wrestling match, adding to Farrington's humiliation.
- Miss Delacour
A stout, amiable lady present during Farrington's confrontation with Mr. Alleyne; she smiles at Farrington's witty retort.
Key passages
“He felt strong enough to clear out the whole office singlehanded. His body ached to do something, to rush out and revel in violence.”
Farrington felt a powerful urge to lash out violently, as if he could single-handedly destroy the office.
Highlights Farrington's pent-up rage and desire for physical release.
“He had made a proper fool of himself this time. Could he not keep his tongue in his cheek?”
Farrington regretted his impulsive retort to Mr. Alleyne, realizing he had worsened his situation.
Shows Farrington's self-awareness of his own self-destructive behavior.
“He felt humiliated and discontented; he did not even feel drunk; and he had only twopence in his pocket.”
After a night of drinking and losing the arm-wrestle, Farrington felt only shame and dissatisfaction, with almost no money left.
Captures the futility of Farrington's attempt to escape his problems through drinking.