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Little Chandler eagerly awaits a reunion with his old friend Ignatius Gallaher. Little Chandler has not seen his friend since he brought Gallaher to the North Wall station eight years ago. Gallaher has spent the past eight years working as a journalist in London while Little Chandler has remained in Dublin. Little Chandler is looking forward to the reunion and remarks that it is wonderful to have a close friend who is so successful. Little Chandler is a 32-year-old married man, and a father. His real name is Thomas Chandler, but he earned his nickname from his small and delicate deportment. The narrator informs the reader that Little Chandler is only slightly below average in stature but his slight build, fair hair, quiet voice, and “childish” teeth give him the appearance of a much smaller man.
A tiresome Little Chandler whittles away the afternoon hours at his clerical job at the King’s Inns, constantly thinking about his approaching evening drink and his reunion with his friend. He gazes out the window and admires the setting sun as it bathes Dublin in a golden light. He then turns his attention to the people that he can see on the streets. However, this microcosm of Dublin life makes him feel sad. His melancholy mood reminds him of the poetry books that he used to enjoy in his youth. He has often considered reading some of the poems to his wife but he is too shy to actually do so. Instead, he repeats the lines to himself.
Little Chandler leaves his desk when it is time to meet Gallaher and he walks through the Dublin streets, carefully avoiding any run-ins with the “vermin-like” poor that swarm past him. Little Chandler is excited to be meeting at Corless’s because the establishment is frequented by wealthy, glamorous, and successful people. For the first time in his life, Little Chandler feels like one of the “superior” people as opposed to his usual self.
As Little Chandler continues his journey, he wonders in amazement at Gallaher’s impressive career. He recalls that he never doubted that Gallaher would do well for himself, even though Gallaher was often wild and reckless in their youth. Little Chandler continues to contemplate his friend’s homecoming and success. He partially attributes Gallaher’s success to his decision to move to London because he feels that it is impossible to make something of one’s self in Dublin. His contemplation of his friend’s success causes him to think of his own stunted writing aspirations and the possibilities of life abroad that remain out of his reach. Little Chandler used to love poetry and longed to be a writer, but he gave it up when he got married. As he walks, Little Chandler considers the far-fetched possibility of writing his own book of poems. He fantasizes about the glowing reviews his melancholy book would receive until he reaches Corless’s.
