Let's Clay a Game

Clay Matthews, not the clay Joyce is talking about

       Clay has appeared in Dubliners even before this story.  In “A Little Cloud,” Little Chandler reads a poem by Byron whose second stanza reads: “Within this narrow cell reclines her clay.  That clay where once…”  This appearance of clay represented literal death.  In this story entitled, “Clay,” its appearance may signify more of a metaphorical death and serve as a way to further characterize Maria.

       Maria herself could be considered a figure of clay insofar as her surroundings have a strong control over her, shaping her actions and emotions.  The man on the tram flusters her so much that she forgets the cake she bought.  Also, Marry is, “delighted to see the children so merry and Joe and his wife in such good spirits” (85).  Maria lives vicariously through the family, their joy being the force that molds her happiness.

       Maria partakes in the Hallows Eve game (interestingly the only adult who participates), in which the players, blindfolded, pick an object out of a group.  The one they choose represents their future.  In this case, Maria initially chooses clay, a representation of death.  The clay might be more of a metaphorical one.  The life she lives is lonely and regimented.  Joyce may be implying that she is, in essence, dead.

       After Maria realizes that her choice was “wrong that time,” she chooses again and picks a prayer book (85).  Is the prayer book, a symbol of the Church, Maria’s way out of the grasp of the deadness that the clay symbolized?  Or will it serve to further entrench this idea that Maria is clay, as the Church is a powerful, controlling force?  Is the close proximity of the two choices an attempt to call to mind the biblical imagery that clay holds?