Clay

In this short story about a woman named Maria, James Joyce gives us a character who is well loved and respected. He does this through the words of those with whom she lives and works as well as with the family she later visits. The matron said to her: " - - Maria, you are a veritable peace-maker!" (p. 1134). Living and working in the laundry shop, Maria is proud of her independence even though Joe "had wanted her to go and live with them . . . " (p. 1134).

Joyce's story is told from the position of a third person who is watching Maria as she moves through the evening and records her activities. The narrator seems to feel a benevolence toward Maria, as if to portray her as someone deserving of our sympathy...but who certainly doesn't desire it. We are shown Maria's emotions such as pride (in being well regarded) and confidence (in remaining independent), Maria is also portrayed as humble, somewhat shy and reluctant to speak up for herself. This is evidenced when she purchased the plumcake and the clerk became annoyed, yet Maria's reaction was to "blush and smile at the young lady . . . " (p. 1135). Again we see her reluctanct to firmly state her position when after expressing that she would rather not have a drink she tells us that " . . . but Joe insisted" (p. 1136).

The title of the story, Clay, is only explained in the footnote which explains the significance of choosing a plate with clay during a game played by the children. We are not told outright, but I inferred that Maria had indeed choosen the plate with the clay indicating that she would soon die. As we were told to expect, James simply stops the story; rather than giving us an ending. He leaves us to complete the story according to what we have learned of the characters, and it involves the reader in determining control of the story.