Counterparts (short story)

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Counterparts is a short story by James Joyce published in his 1914 collection Dubliners.

[edit] The story

The story recounts an evening in the life of a man named Farrington, frequently referred to simply as “the man.” Farrington’s difficulties begin at his clerical job when his boss Mr. Alleyne berates him for not having finished an assignment. Instead of applying himself immediately to the task, the alcoholic Farrington slips out of the office for a quick beer. When Mr. Alleyne yells at Farrington again, Farrington replies with an impertinent remark and has to apologize. We learn that Farrington’s relationship with his superior has never been a good one, partly due to Mr. Alleyne’s overhearing of Farrington mocking his Ulster accent. After work, Farrington joins his friends at various pubs, but only after he pawns his watch-chain for drinking money. Farrington’s account of his standing up to his boss earns him some respect. However, his revelries end in two humiliations: a perceived slight by an elegant young woman and defeat in an arm-wrestling contest. Farrington goes home in a foul mood. After learning that his wife is out, he beats one of his five children. The story ends on the little boy’s pleas for mercy.

[edit] References

• Joyce, James. Dubliners (London: Grant Richards, 1914)

James Joyce's Dubliners
The Sisters | An Encounter | Araby | Eveline | After the Race | Two Gallants | The Boarding House | A Little Cloud | Counterparts | Clay | A Painful Case | Ivy Day in the Committee Room | A Mother | Grace | The Dead