Christmas Snow

It’s easy to read Joyce’s final images as a proverbial seal on all, “living and … dead.” That is, this dense blanket of snow embodies an impenetrable lock on the paralysis of Ireland, and ultimately the universe.  After publishing Ulysses, he said, “I can get to the heart of Dublin I can get to the heart of all the cities of the world. In the particular is contained the universal.”

But this image contains a lot of hope, specifically through Gabriel’s perception. This image comes only after he realizes his limitations in loving Gretta.  He realizes, he can never live up to Michael Furey’s love, as he would have to give his life. This sad revelation creates the gloomy scenes prior. 

However, this snowfall covers the “crooked crosses and headstones,” the “spears,” and the “barren thorns.”  Though temporary (as snow melts), the image itself evokes an innocence and purity.  More importantly, as Jack pointed out, Gabriel’s soul “swooned.” This word is powerful, as it extremely emotional, almost ecstatic.

Joyce reveals this tremendous emotion when Gretta hears the song that Michael Furey sang.  The song gives “colour … [to] her cheeks” and “shining eyes,” illustrating an ethereal experience.  Perhaps this experience with Gretta allows Gabriel to have an epiphany moment, to feel this intense emotion of his soul and realize that the snow represents a new beginning. 

Miss O'Callaghan offers her feelings on the snow: "I think Christmas is never really Christmas unless we have the snow on the ground." Although Joyce was opposed to the Catholic Church, he still desired a "legitimate Jesus."  Perhaps a legitimate Jesus comes only with a fresh snowfall.