Alienation and Connection
Modernist writers often explored the emotional lives of characters who are alienated in some way: estranged from others, society in general, and even cut off from themselves. In “A Painful Case,” Mr. Duffy and Mrs. Sinico are both alienated, for different reasons. Duffy has chosen a solitary life and carefully arranged it to be as disconnected from other people as possible. His life is contented until meeting Mrs. Sinico. Though married with a daughter, Mrs…
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Sexual Repression
Modernist writers like Joyce often pushed the envelope in their portrayals of sexuality. In deliberate criticism of what he saw as Victorian prudishness, Joyce’s writing often features frank discussion of sexuality and criticism of sexual repression. “A Painful Case” shows that strict adherence to sexual moral standards leads to sexual repression, with tragic consequences. Both Duffy and Mrs. Sinico are celibate and pursue a platonic friendship. Then, their relationship is destroyed when Duffy panics over…
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Questioning Conventional Morality
Modernist narratives tend to unsettle moral frameworks. For example, at the end of most of the stories in Dubliners, readers are faced with either a moral problem that defies judgment or shown a character having a sudden epiphany, but it is not clear what they have learned. “A Painful Case” fits both of these patterns. In its portrayal of Mr. Duffy and Mrs. Sinico’s relationship, the story questions moral conventions regarding love, marriage…
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