The Dead: Summary
In 1987 director John Huston brought “The Dead” to life. His interpretation of James Joyce’s short story could be verbatim to the text aside from a few added lines and scenes. This reproduction of the story must have been difficult considering the complicated symbolism and silent reflections. “The Dead,” like all the other short stories of Joyce’s Dubliners reveals an epiphany. The epiphany in “The Dead” is ironically an awakening to life, a new way of life, and a new outlook on life. This, being Huston’s final film before his death, must have been an epiphany for himself, thus making his film even more meaningful.
Set in January 1904, in Dublin, the story opens at the home of the ...
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arrive James Joyce’s prose is eloquently translated into dialogue by director, Hutson and thus, Actresses Cathleen Delany (Aunt Julia) and Helena Carroll (Aunt Kate) create an element of suspense more so than in the words of Joyce. Upon his long awaited arrival, Gabriel’s greeting and idle chitchat is identical to that of the text.
Joyce describes in depth the thoughts and feelings of Gabriel throughout the story, only it is more difficult to do so in film. In attempt to compensate for this loss, Huston added text to his script. For example, Gabriel pulls a small piece of paper from his pocket and begins to recite to himself. The audience member does not know what the reader knows until Gabriel’s wife, Gretta soon comments, “He’s only concerned about his speech, Aunt Kate. He’s been fretting about it for days.” The audience member can now gather a summary of what was described in words by Joyce; the speech to be later recited by Gabriel who is nervous and uncertain of ...
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recitations, is described as “strong and clear in tone, attacked with great spirit the runs which embellish the air and though she sang very rapidly she did not miss even the smallest of the grace notes.” (157) What was sung by actress, Cathleen Delany, was on the contrary dreadful and even funny and by no means could one, “feel and share the excitement of swift and secure flight” by listening to such a voice. As the voice carries over, the film cuts to shots of old pictures, books, and knick knacks; a confusing moment for the audience which can only be assumed as the remnants of Gabriel’s mother. Joyce had placed this very scene during Mary Jane’s piano recital. It is unbeknownst to me ...
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"The Dead: Summary." Essayworld.com. June 21, 2007. Accessed December 23, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Dead-Summary/66792.
"The Dead: Summary." Essayworld.com. June 21, 2007. Accessed December 23, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Dead-Summary/66792.
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