James Joyce's use of characterization in "The Boarding House" leads us down a twisted path of manipulation and greed. The cunning manor in which each woman approaches the means to an end is very well developed. From the beginning we can see the strength and resolve of Mrs. Mooney, "a woman who was quite able to keep things to herself: a determined woman" (365).
             In the beginning of this story, Mrs. Mooney is established as both a strong woman and a provider for her children, Jack and Polly, after a rough start with her husband. Mr. Mooney has an issue with the bottle and becomes ignoble. To this end Mrs. Mooney chooses to start a live of her own with her children and opens a boarding house. She was a "big imposing woman" (365). As a woman of little means she had developed the business in a skillful manor. The residents of this boarding house had labeled Mrs. Mooney as "The Madam" (365). Although this establishment was well developed Mrs. Mooney knew that she would one day be alone and soon realized that her son would not be the one to lean on in later years. As such she soon learned that her daughter, Polly, was in a not so pure relationship with one of her customers. Being the Iris Catholics, of the time, that they were this would be an opportune time to set herself up for a well off life after the boarding house. She did not approach the situation immediately, although the house was talking of the affair, but held back until the time was right but when she did "She dealt with moral problems as a cleaver deals with meat" (366). Knowing that if she played her cards correctly, Mr. Doran, the man in question would be pushed to make reparations. Not until Polly was confronted did "The Madam" decide to confront Mr. Doran with the circumstances of which she and Polly had spoken. As stated before she felt that this would be the opportune time to propose that he make reparati...