When introducing the character of Mr. O’Madden Burke—a leader of the Eire Abu Society organizing the concert series at the center of the story—Joyce uses a metaphor, as seen in the following passage:
One of these gentlemen was Mr O’Madden Burke, who had found out the room by instinct. He was a suave elderly man who balanced his imposing body, when at rest, upon a large silk umbrella. His magniloquent western name was the moral umbrella upon which he balanced the fine problem of his finances. He was widely respected.
Here, Joyce describes how Burke rests on both a literal umbrella and a metaphorical one. This “moral umbrella” that Joyce equates with Burke’s “magniloquent western name” balances “the fine problem of his finances.” This is Joyce’s somewhat roundabout way of communicating to readers that Burke makes a living off of his charm and reputation, not because he is actually committed to the Nationalist movement or a skilled organizer.
This is one of the many moments in which Joyce subtly critiques the Nationalist movement for being led by self-interested and morally bankrupt men. It is also notable that Burke found the room where everyone is drinking “by instinct”—here, Joyce is arguing that movement leaders cared more about drinking and wasting time than working for their cause.
