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"" is a story that centers around a dilemma (and in that context, I think its primary
conflict should be understood as one of person vs. self). However, at the same time, Eveline's
dilemma is informed by various other tensions that have influenced and impacted her life, and
the general misery that has defined it (in this sense, you can observe elements of person vs.
society and person vs. person conflict, the later of which is most notably expressed in
Eveline's abusive father).
In "Eveline," Joyce depicts his 's
existence as one defined by misery, with her mother dead, and Eveline herself faced with an
abusive father. And yet, Eveline herself is torn, because miserable as her current existence is,
it is also familiar to her (and she can take some small comfort in that familiarity). On the
other hand, she does have hope for a better future, should she run away with Frank, leaving
Ireland. However, in this moment when she finally has the chance to escape, she finds herself
second guessing that decision. This is ultimately a watershed moment for her, with consequences
that will, in all likelihood, shape the rest of her life. This dilemma weighs down on her,
bringing her considerable distress.
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