Dubliners

Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Dublin, this collection of fifteen short stories captures the essence of Irish middle-class life during a time of intense nationalism and cultural upheaval. Joyce explores themes of epiphany, where characters encounter moments of profound self-discovery, juxtaposed with the notion of paralysis, reflecting his belief that Irish nationalism hindered cultural advancement. The stories offer a rich, naturalistic portrayal of a society grappling with its identity amidst historical and cultural crossroads.