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Why does Little Chandler admire Gallaher?
Gallaher writes in London, travels across continental Europe, and lives a free life as a bachelor, leading the life Little Chandler once aspired to have. Though Gallaher is “wild” and known for occasional trouble, “nobody denied him talent. . . . Even when he was out at elbows and at his wits’ end for money he kept up a bold face.” Whereas Little Chandler is meek and mild-mannered, Gallaher is gruff and courageous, traits that Chandler at once envies and reviles. Little Chandler compares his life to Gallaher’s, and in doing so, Little Chandler blames his failed attempt to become a poet on what he perceives to be the constraints around him: Dublin, his wife, and his child.
What is the Isle of Man?
The Isle of Man is an island located in the middle of the northern Irish Sea. Gallaher is unimpressed that Little Chandler has only traveled to the Isle of Man because it is close to Dublin, unlike the foreign ports that Gallaher has traveled to.
Who is Byron?
Lord Byron was one of the leading poets of the British Romantic movement. Little Chandler reads his poem “On the Death of a Young Lady” at the end of the text while he holds his son.
Why is Little Chandler called “Little Chandler”?
Little Chandler’s real name is Thomas Chandler; his nickname comes from his small and delicate deportment. The narrator informs the reader that Little Chandler is only slightly below average in stature but his demeanor gives him the appearance of a man that is much smaller than he actually is.
Why does Little Chandler start to cry at the end of the short story?
This answer is complicated, because Joyce is intentionally vague. He writes that Little Chandler feels ashamed as he hands their son over to Annie. This sense of shame likely stems from his inability to soothe the crying child and/or his guilty conscience after he has just screamed at the innocent baby to be quiet. However, Joyce also writes that “tears of remorse started to [Little Chandler’s] eyes.” Joyce intentionally ends the story there so that the reader does not know if Little Chandler regrets mistreating his family or regrets having one in the first place.
