Ghosts, Memory & Metaphor in Gabriel Conroy's Ireland

Although extensive criticism has focused on James Joyce’s “The Dead,” the story has yet to be examined through the lens of cognitive science. As neuroscience expands and shapes our understanding of the human mind, its use as a tool in analyzing texts has become a growing trend in literary studies. Memory plays a central role in “The Dead,” one that can be illuminated by our improved scientific understanding of the process of memory. The character’s memories and the collective national memory of Ireland are illuminated through the use of ghosts and haunting. In “The Dead” a ghost is not a non-existent or supernatural entity but rather an absence. The story reveals not only the ghost, or absence, of Michael Furey—but also the ghost of Ireland and the absence of Irish identity, language and independence. Memory is brought out through the character’s sensory experiences. The music evokes the ghost of Michael Furey, and the feast evokes the starvation engrained in Ireland’s national memory. The complexity of memory, how it changes over time and colors the present, is demonstrated particularly by the different nature of Gretta’s sudden memories of Michale Furey when she hears The Lass of Aughrim, and Gabriel’s memories of his “secret life” with Gretta. Literary criticism of “The Dead”, cultural history of Ireland and scientific studies on memory will be used to reveal the way memory functions within the story, and what the story can tell us about memory. Freud’s explanation of the ‘uncanny,’ and instances where the familiar is made unfamiliar, often through the character’s memories, will also be examined. My text-based analysis will use our contemporary understanding of memory and the conscious mind to further explore one of the most renowned short stories of the 20^th century.