NCERT Class 12 English Kaliedoscope: Chapter 2 — E v e l i n e E v e l i n e E v e l i n e E v e l i n e E v e l i n e
This chapter, 'Eveline' by James Joyce from the collection Dubliners, explores the inner conflict of Eveline, a young woman on the verge of escaping her monotonous and oppressive life. Set in early 20th-century Dublin, the story details Eveline's memories of her childhood, her family, and the drudgery she faces. Despite having an opportunity to leave with her lover, Frank, she is paralyzed by fear and a sense of duty towards her family and home. The narrative delves into her hesitation, her attachment to familiar objects, and the overwhelming feeling of obligation that prevents her from seizing her chance for a new life. This chapter highlights themes of paralysis, duty, and the difficulty of breaking free from one's past and environment, offering insights into the human psyche and the challenges of personal change, crucial for understanding literary analysis in CBSE English.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Kaliedoscope |
| Chapter | Chapter 2 — E v e l i n e E v e l i n e E v e l i n e E v e l i n e E v e l i n e |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 546 |
Learning outcomes
- Analyze the character of Eveline and her internal conflict.
- Understand the themes of paralysis, duty, and escape in the story.
- Identify literary devices used by James Joyce.
- Discuss the socio-historical context of the story.
- Appreciate the complexities of human decision-making.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| drudgery | dull, routine, and tedious work. |
| portrayal | the description of someone or something in a particular way. |
| cretonne | a heavy cotton cloth, typically with a floral pattern, used for upholstery and curtains. |
| cinder path | a path made of crushed coal cinders. |
| blackthorn stick | a walking stick made from the wood of a blackthorn bush. |
| nix | an old slang word, originally used by thieves, to refer to the member of a gang who kept watch. |
| harmonim | a keyboard instrument in which bellows force air through free reeds. |
| yellowing | become or turn yellow. |
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Practice questions
- What is Eveline's primary internal conflict? Answer: Eveline's primary conflict is between her desire to escape her monotonous life and her fear and sense of duty towards her home and family.
- What does the dust symbolize in the story? Answer: The dust symbolizes the stagnation, neglect, and the passage of time in Eveline's life and home.
- Why does Eveline ultimately decide not to leave with Frank? Answer: She is paralyzed by fear, a sense of duty to her father and the memory of her mother, and the overwhelming familiarity of her home.
- What is the significance of the field mentioned in the story? Answer: The field represents a lost period of happiness and freedom from Eveline's childhood, contrasting with her current constrained life.
Practice MCQs
Q1. James Joyce is known for his experiments in which literary genre?
Explanation: James Joyce is renowned for his bold experiments in narrative techniques in fiction.
Q2. From which collection of stories is 'Eveline' taken?
Explanation: 'Eveline' is one of the fifteen stories that form James Joyce's collection, Dubliners.
Q3. What is the main reason Eveline hesitates to leave?
Explanation: Eveline is paralyzed by a combination of fear, duty towards her family, and attachment to her home.
Q4. What does Eveline smell as she sits by the window?
Explanation: She notices the odour of dusty cretonne, indicating the neglect and stagnation of her home.
Q5. Who used to keep watch for Eveline's father?
Explanation: Little Keogh, described as a cripple, used to call out when he saw Eveline's father approaching.
Frequently asked questions
Who wrote the story 'Eveline'?
The story 'Eveline' was written by James Joyce.
What is the main theme of 'Eveline'?
The main themes of 'Eveline' are paralysis, duty, the struggle between escape and staying, and the weight of the past.
When was 'Eveline' first published?
'Eveline' was first published in 1914 as part of the collection Dubliners.
What does Eveline do at the end of the story?
At the end of the story, Eveline is unable to leave with Frank and remains paralyzed by her fear and sense of duty.
What is the significance of the 'nix' mentioned in the text?
'Nix' is an old slang word for a lookout, used by thieves, referring to the gang member who kept watch.
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NCERT Class 12 English — Kaliedoscope — Chapter 2 — E v e l i n e E v e l i n e E v e l i n e E v e l i n e E v e l i n e. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.