In James Joyce's "Araby," the unnamed narrator reflects on a period of time in his childhood where he longed to escape the constraints of his less-than-perfect surroundings. From the way he describes the surroundings as "gloomy" and "sombre," it is obvious that he longs to be somewhere better. In a place plagued by the repetitiveness of everyday routines, the narrator longs for the excitement and adventure of the unknown. During this period of his childhood, the narrator believes he has found the answers to his problems. These solutions are manifested in the forms of playtime, infatuation, and a trip to an oriental bazaar.
             In order to find solace from a mundane and germane world, the narrator searches for a way to separate himself form the image of his surroundings. He begins this process by playing and interacting with his friends. In the story, the narrator describes how he and his friends go through alleys and gardens, demonstrating how the kids made the most of their time. He states that he and his friends would "play until their bodies glowed." Through this playtime the narrator was allowed to temporarily escape into a world of fun where there were essentially no worries. While at play, neither the lateness of the hour or the dreary and somber aura of the neighborhood was able to subtract from the joy of having fun. He also became fascinated with the life as well as the library of the late pastor that previously occupied his home. This was another way for the narrator to get away and be alone.
             The rigorous activity of his play often led him to what would ultimately be his next attempt at an escape from his world; his attraction to Mangan's sister. Most of the narrator's time was spent watching and fantasizing about Mangan's sister. He viewed his feelings and attraction to this girl as love, however, to a person reading "Araby," his attraction...