The Circle of Life

A modern interpretation of Mr. Duffy's lifestyle.

           “A Painful Case” shows the cyclical nature of paralysis present in Ireland. Mr. Duffy appears to finally make progress in attempting to free himself from the monotony of his current lifestyle, but ultimately relapses, realizing that he was a factor in Mrs. Sinico’s death.

            Considering Mr. Duffy’s character, his relationship with Mrs. Sinico is somewhat unusual. Mr. Duffy is estranged from Dublin’s society, isolating himself as he “wished to
live as far as possible from the city” and also “found all the other suburbs of Dublin mean, modern and pretentious” (87). Furthermore, Mr. Duffy has a very set routine that he follows, commuting by tram, receiving the same lunch, and dined in the same eatery “where he felt himself safe from the society” (88). Mr. Duffy also “had neither companions nor friends” (88).

            Clearly, Mr. Duffy wishes to separate himself with Irish society. He does not want to interact with others. However, it seems strange that he would choose to converse with Mrs. Sinico after seeing her at several concerts. Mr. Duffy appears to only associate himself with Mrs. Sinico due to their similar interests and because he does not view her as a part of the Dublin society he disdains. At Mrs. Sinico’s residence, Mr. Duffy “[enjoyed] the lady's society,” showing that he views himself and Mrs. Sinico as members of a different Dublin society, which is also supported by the fact that both Mr. Duffy and Mrs. Sinico’s homes are located on the outskirts of Dublin (89).

            Mr. Duffy appears to be escaping his daily routine through his meetings with Mrs. Sinico, finally beginning intimate human contact. However, after Mrs. Sinico places her hand on Mr. Duffy’s cheek, he proceeds to end their relationship. All the progress that he appeared to make suddenly disappears. He ends the relationship because it may have developed into a more intimate and physical one. Mr. Duffy would not be able to handle the deviation from his daily routine that would have caused. His relationship with Mrs. Sinico appeared very scheduled, as he traveled “often to her little cottage outside Dublin” (90). After terminating the relationship, he “returned to his even way of life” (91), completely relapsing in his progress of breaking his routine lifestyle.

            Following Mrs. Sinico’s death and potential suicide, Mr. Duffy realizes that part he had in her death. He finally realizes “that he was alone” (96). His epiphany shows his realization of his situation. He is stuck in a vicious cycle he imposed on himself, completely devoid of intimate human contact. Furthermore, he has destroyed his means of escaping this cycle, and understands that he is now trapped.

            Mr. Duffy’s actions show the potential of Irish people to escape their daily paralysis. Is it possible for the Irish to free themselves from their situation through their own actions, or will they ultimately blow their chances at freedom?