The Dead
by James Joyce
Style
Explanation and Analysis:

“The Dead” is written in the close third-person perspective, with narration that often directly expresses the thoughts of the story’s protagonist, Gabriel Conroy. At the same time, the narration provides objective descriptions of the narrative action—separate from Gabriel’s point of view—as well as descriptions of Gabriel himself. This multiplicity of perspective affords the reader many points of entry into the story. The reader can follow along with Gabriel’s thoughts and emotions as they shift and progress throughout the story, while simultaneously witnessing him move through the world and observing the way other characters respond to him.