"Gazing up into the darkness I saw myself as a creature driven and derided by vanity; and my eyes burned with anguish and anger."-Araby; James Joyce
             This final sentence is the most important aspect of the piece. Not only is it the climax of Joyce's work, it describes a boy's final step to the stinging realization that he never truly was in love. He recounts on how he used to play outside with his friends until the night signaled their return home. The story is based on his love for his friend's (Mangan) sister. He doesn't know what he's feeling; for he's never had such emotion until now, so young is he in life. He is a boy entering the early stages of puberty who receives a harsh awakening. Nothing seems to go right in his current world of confusion, frustration, and longing. He cannot recognize his very own sentiments, nor can he understand why every word and action of hers triggers a surge of warmth from his heart. When Mangan's sister finally speaks to him, it becomes as incredible to him as if God had spoken instead of the girl. She asks him to bring something back for her from the great fair, Araby, and so the boy deposits all of his energy and nerves into making it possible so he may go. Finally the day comes and he has an epiphany. The last sentence portrays his extreme sensitivity to beauty and his artistic and innocent qualities.
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