Writing Assignment Guidelines: Forbidden Love The Prompt

Writing Assignment Guidelines: Forbidden Loves The prompt for t

What role does desire play in the life of Mr. James Duffy in Joyce’s “A Painful Case”? Please note: there is not a correct answer to this question. Rather, you should give the question some thought, decide on your response, and then present the best evidence you have in favor of your position. Your answers should be submitted via Turnitin by 11.55 pm on Tuesday 20 June 2017. It should be 250 words. 10% either side is permissible, but pieces that are longer than 275 words, or shorter than 225, are liable to lose one letter grade.

This limit applies to the text of your response; it does not include the title or works cited information. (Remember: the point is not simply to write down everything you can think of. Rather, give the topic some thought and decide what your argument is and what the best evidence is you have to support that argument. At that point you should start crafting your response, working out the best way to make and support your argument.) As always, the assignment will be assessed on the basis of the following rubric (see next page): A (4.8) The writing assignment is strong in all three areas. It provides a clear argument, the evidence provided is strong and supports that particular argument, and the work as a whole is well presented, with no writing errors. B (4.3) The writing assignment is strong in two areas, but falls down significantly in one area. The writing assignment contains a relatively strong argument and some textual evidence, but there is a slight lack of focus in the argument and evidence. There might be one or two writing slips. C (3.8) The writing assignment is strong in one area, but falls down in two areas. (For example, it might be well written and presented, but the argument and evidence are below the expected standard). The argument lacks clarity and/or the evidence is not connected to the argument as well as it might be. There might also be some minor writing or formatting errors. D (3.3) The writing assignment has significant weaknesses. The argument may not be clear, there might be little or no textual evidence, or the evidence may not relate to the argument. There are also likely to be errors in the writing and formatting. F (2.5) The writing assignment does not meet the minimum expectations in terms of making an argument, supporting that argument with evidence, and presenting the argument in a clear fashion. Please note: if you do not submit an assignment, you will score “0” for the assignment. This will have a significant impact on your overall grade.

Paper For Above instruction

In James Joyce’s “A Painful Case,” desire functions as a central force shaping Mr. James Duffy’s life, revealing both its power to isolate and to define human existence. Duffy’s relationship with Mrs. Sinico encapsulates the complex nature of desire—its capacity to bring pleasure intertwined with pain and downfall. Analyzing Duffy’s internal conflict and eventual withdrawal underscores how desire, although innate, ultimately leads to his emotional and physical loneliness.

Initially, Duffy’s desire manifests through his fascination with Mrs. Sinico, which signifies a longing for connection—something he has vigilantly avoided. His reclusive nature is a defense mechanism rooted in fear of vulnerability. However, when he encounters Mrs. Sinico at the train station, his desire rekindles, prompting a sense of companionship and intimacy he previously denied himself. Joyce describes this awakening as a departure from Duffy’s rigid routines, suggesting that desire acts as a disruptive force challenging his suppression of emotion (Joyce, 1914). This desire, however, is ambiguous and fraught with danger, as it exposes vulnerabilities Duffy prefers to ignore, highlighting desire’s dual role as both life-affirming and destructive.

The climax of Duffy’s desire occurs during his visit to the Sinico household, where he experiences a fleeting sense of connection that ultimately results in disappointment and regret. Joyce emphasizes Duffy’s discomfort and the sense of alienation, illustrating how desire, once awakened, cannot be easily controlled or repressed. This event signifies a turning point—Duffy’s realization that his desire has awakened a depth of emotion incompatible with his solitary lifestyle. Consequently, Duffy withdraws into himself, severing the fragile bond he momentarily forged. His withdrawal exemplifies how desire, when not fully understood or managed, can lead to emotional devastation and self-imposed exile.

Furthermore, Joyce’s portrayal of Duffy’s desire reveals its paradoxical nature. While desire prompts human connection, it also embodies the potential for pain by highlighting what is lost or unfulfilled. Duffy’s absence of desire culminates in emotional paralysis, emphasizing the tragic dimension of his character—someone who wishes to avoid desire’s pain yet is ultimately defined by it. This paradox underscores Joyce’s broader exploration of human longing and detachment, illustrating that desire is an integral but perilous part of human experience.

In conclusion, desire in “A Painful Case” plays a defining role in Both Duffy’s isolation and his vulnerability. It acts as a force that disrupts his ordered life, exposing his emotional deficiencies and leading to his tragic solitude. Joyce’s depiction of desire underscores its inherent complexity—an essential aspect of human identity that, when unacknowledged or suppressed, results in profound loneliness and suffering. Thus, desire, while central to human life, is also a source of suffering when left unexamined or uncontrolled in Joyce’s character portrayal.

References

• Joyce, J. (1914). A Painful Case. Dubliners.