Two Gallants

What role does the city of Dublin play in the story? Why do you think Joyce incorporated street names and famous landmarks into the narrative? How does this approach enable Joyce to establish the story’s themes?

Discuss the theme of Suspicion and Betrayal in the narrative and analyze the undercurrent of mistrust that pervades it. How might these depictions relate to Joyce’s view of his contemporary Ireland?

How are women portrayed in the story? Relate this discussion to the main characters’ view of women and to how society treats them generally. How might the characters’ perspectives reflect their cultural values?

Analyze Lenehan’s behavior before and after his epiphany in the café. How does this section of the story inform the reader’s understanding of his character?

Joyce does not directly address the theme of Irish politics or history in the narrative, yet some critics view these elements as important influences on his writing. How might these issues impact “Two Gallants” in terms of its themes, content, or presentation?

Discuss Joyce’s view of petty crime as he presents the theme in the story. What causes do you believe he might attribute to the theft that the servant woman commits?

Why do you think Corley and Lenehan pursue their respective lifestyles as thieves and con artists? How might Corley’s family background influence his choices?

Naturalist authors connected their characters to their external social environments. How does Corley and Lenehan’s environment influence their attitudes, behaviors, and actions?