Eveline, by James Joyce
Rating: 7 / 10 I felt so sorry for the character Eveline while reading this story. She lives in the present with restraint because of her memories and feelings of the past. Even the subject and object of the restraint are both herself. It was a pity that Eveline missed her own chance of happiness, and that it was due to her social responsibility of family and feelings for the past. I think the story emphasis in this book is 'change'. Change is very important in our lives. Since the times and society are changing, we must also change accordingly. Otherwise, it can be paralyzed like Eveline in a changing era. In this book, we can learn from Eveline's worries and paralysis that we can reach ultimate happiness as we move toward the future without being attributed to the past. Escaping or avoiding is not always the answer, but sometimes we have to leave the unknown anxiety behind, and it is also important to have that courage. (164 words)