In writing the short stories that comprise Dubliners, one of James Joyce's main goals was to portray the moments of revelation – or epiphanies – the protagonists experience as the stories reach their resolution. According to C.C. Loomis Jr., at the end of "The Dead," "understanding of himself, then of his world, then of humanity floods Gabriel." Joyce's development of Gabriel's character can be established in
             Gabriel is "a stout tallish young man" with "a high color" and "a hairless face" - "the bright gilt rims of his glasses...screened his delicate and restless eyes." (Dead 121) He is rather precise and leads a satisfying and pleasant life as a teacher at a college in Dublin. His family life is secure and apparently happy, as with his professional life. Mr. Conroy is also an avid reader and writes book reviews and articles for various newspapers - "The books he received for review were almost more welcome than the paltry check." (Dead 128) Gabriel believes in liberal views and that literature exceeds politics. Thus, Joyce seeks to expose his true character through the exchange with Miss Ivors, showing his superiority over her narrow philosophy.
             The story is of a Christmas party thrown by two elderly sisters, and attended by, their nephew Gabriel Conroy and his wife Gretta. Upon his entrance to the gathering, Gabriel is described as "a stout tallish young man" with "a high color" and "a hairless face" - "the bright gilt rims of his glasses...screened his delicate and restless eyes." (Dead 121) At the party, one establishes a sense of Gabriel's character: an unconscious man who stumbles about his life, imagining his greatness as defined by his jobs as a high school teacher and small-time book reviewer - "The books he received for review were almost more welcome than the paltry check." (Dead 128). He holds these positions, the fact that he went to the University, and...