There is a great deal of controversy surrounding the short story, Araby by James Joyce. This isn't controversy dealing with various political issues or free speech or such associated things. It is of a more simple matter: whether the young boy in this story is capable of having a deep emotional realization at the conclusion of the story. It is obvious, in the final sentence of the story, that he does not make a startling realization; rather, the narrator, as the boy many years later, looks back on how foolish he was.
             During most of the story, the boy comes off as extremely immature. So much so that it would be difficult for such a person to appreciate true love and/or have an emotional breakthrough. The first example of his immaturity is as he is watching Managan's sister. He goes so far as to peer between the blind and windowsill to catch a glimpse of his crush. When he catches sight of her, he bolts outside to follow her. This seems to be a very adolescent activity, which would be fitting for a boy his age. He is self-absorbed. He doesn't even seem, or care to know his crush's name. To be in love with someone you hardly know is very irrational and juvenile.
             For one to make even a remotely sound opinion on this subject, one must examine the point of view of the narrator. The story is being narrated by a mature man reflecting back upon his adolescence and the events that force him to face the disillusioning realities of adulthood. When a good look is taken at the language used throughout the story, the reader can tell the young boy himself most certainly does not narrate it. An example of such language lies after Mangan's sister asks him if he is going to the bazaar: "I wished to annihilate the tedious intervening days" (102). Clearly this is not the vocabulary of an adolescent boy. If it is narrated by a young child he may say something as simple as 'I can't
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