Chapter Introduction of Dubliners - Study Guide by James Joyce

Introduction

With the publication of Ulysses in 1922, James Joyce stepped beyond the world of the avant-garde literary scene and gained the respect due to the foremost exponent of literary modernism. Only eight years earlier, having made two abortive attempts in the previous eight years, he had finally succeeded in publishing his first work of prose fiction, Dubliners. Amongst its contemporary reading public this collection of short stories made little impact; but revised critical opinion has acknowledged the book's merit beyond question. Here, Joyce not only reveals the early development of his literary style and humanitarian themes: he demonstrates, even at this early stage, his capacity to succeed in the creation of art that rings out with both beauty and truth.