Themes and Techniques in James Joyce’s Clay

Abstract

James Joyce, a prolific Irish writer of his age. ‘Clay’ from Dubliner is known for its varied themes and techniques. It renders captivating opportunities for the readers to present his/her own perception of symbolism to ‘Clay’. Joyce has displayed a double level of symbolism structure which he explicitly managed to handle paradoxical symbolic element simultaneously. The title ‘Clay’ itself has a symbolic meaning - in the human world it has less worth but this unworthy element has the capacity to mould to any given shape. Maria, the protagonist is a symbolic representation of Clay at one level and Mother Ireland at another level. Themes of poverty, triggered social relationships are shown through the technique of symbolism.