Counterparts Page #4

"Counterparts" is a short story from James Joyce's collection "Dubliners", rather than a standalone book. It vividly explores the life of Farrington, a legal clerk in Dublin, who struggles with alcohol addiction, job dissatisfaction, and volatile relationships at home. Despair and frustration lead him from pub to pub, spiraling deeper into self-destruction. This poignant narrative offers an insight into early 20th-century Irish society, exploring themes of routine, desperation, and violence.

• Children

								

himself: “At the chapel. At the chapel, if you please!” When the lamp
was lit he banged his fist on the table and shouted:

“What’s for my dinner?”

“I’m going ... to cook it, pa,” said the little boy.

The man jumped up furiously and pointed to the fire.

“On that fire! You let the fire out! By God, I’ll teach you to do that
again!”

He took a step to the door and seized the walking-stick which was
standing behind it.

“I’ll teach you to let the fire out!” he said, rolling up his sleeve in
order to give his arm free play.

The little boy cried “O, pa!” and ran whimpering round the table, but
the man followed him and caught him by the coat. The little boy looked
about him wildly but, seeing no way of escape, fell upon his knees.

“Now, you’ll let the fire out the next time!” said the man striking at
him vigorously with the stick. “Take that, you little whelp!”

The boy uttered a squeal of pain as the stick cut his thigh. He clasped
his hands together in the air and his voice shook with fright.

“O, pa!” he cried. “Don’t beat me, pa! And I’ll ... I’ll say a Hail
Mary for you.... I’ll say a Hail Mary for you, pa, if you don’t beat
me.... I’ll say a Hail Mary....”
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