Psychology and literature: some psychological reflections about evelyne by Joyce

The purpose of this study is to conduct a careful psychological investigation into the thought of one of the most important 20th century Irish writers, James Joyce (1882- 1941). The main focus of the analysis consists of some of the short stories contained in one of Joyce’s most famous works, Dubliners, with particular reference to Evelyne and at the same time examining some of the themes present and recurring in the Irish writer’s books. This work aims to demonstrate how in Joyce there is a strong interest in the realisation and psychological analysis of his complex characters present in the work as well as in Evelyne and who will be examined as expressions and fulfilments of his creativity. The study was conducted through the discipline of the Psychology of Art and Literature. Some of the themes and characteristics of the characters in the stories will be presented, in which the individual, with his inner conflicts, emotions, feelings and sensations will come to the fore, with particular attention to the central theme of the work, namely paralysis in which he sees the city and its inhabitants immersed. Paralysis and escape are the central elements of Dubliners. One will understand how the city and the characters are seen by Joyce as the centre of the historical, social and psychological ‘paralysis’ that conditions the lives of its inhabitants and does not allow them to grow as human beings.