James Joyce and "The Dead"

the monks in their coffins

references to death

references to the cold and snow

The Lass of Aughrim

to make her forget the years of their dull existence together and remember only thier moments of ecstasy.

existence and life

contrast of Gabriel's passion and Michael Furey's

passion > lust> jealously> surprise>compassion> pity> understanding

his journey westward

The final paragraph--"light taps upon the pane" snow falling "lonely churchyard where Michael Furey lay buried."

"Better [to] pass boldly into that other world, in the full glory of some passion, than fade and wither dismally with age."