The Truant Expedition and Dangerous Encounter

Dubliners

This flow traces the boys' attempt to escape school routine, ending in a frightening encounter that overturns their playful adventure.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Wild West Fantasies Wild West Fantasies from "Dubliners". Borrowed Adventure Stories of escape Joe Dillon introduces the boys to sensational adventure magazines and mock Indian battles.

Wild West Fantasies from "Dubliners". Borrowed Adventure Stories of escape Joe Dillon introduces the boys to sensational adventure magazines and mock Indian battles.

Borrowed Adventure Stories of escape Joe Dillon introduces the boys to sensational adventure magazines and mock Indian battles. Their games offer a temporary alternative to school discipline. A desire for reality The narrator grows tired of imitation and decides that real adventures must be sought abroad. The fantasy becomes a plan to skip school.

The Plan to Michen The Plan to Michen from "Dubliners". A Day Away An agreed escape The narrator, Mahony, and Leo Dillon plan to spend a day away from school, saving money and arranging excuses.

The Plan to Michen from "Dubliners". A Day Away An agreed escape The narrator, Mahony, and Leo Dillon plan to spend a day away from school, saving money and arranging excuses.

A Day Away An agreed escape The narrator, Mahony, and Leo Dillon plan to spend a day away from school, saving money and arranging excuses. Their destination is the harbor and Pigeon House. Excitement and uncertainty The plan gives the boys a taste of independence, though it depends on a group that is already fragile. Leo’s eventual absence exposes that weakness.

Leo Fails to Appear Leo Fails to Appear from "Dubliners". A Smaller Expedition The missing companion The narrator reaches the bridge first; Mahony joins him, but Leo Dillon does not come.

Leo Fails to Appear from "Dubliners". A Smaller Expedition The missing companion The narrator reaches the bridge first; Mahony joins him, but Leo Dillon does not come.

A Smaller Expedition The missing companion The narrator reaches the bridge first; Mahony joins him, but Leo Dillon does not come. The others decide to continue without him. Freedom with limits They gain his forfeited sixpence but lose the imagined completeness of the group adventure. The day begins through a compromise rather than a triumph.

The Stranger's Conversation The Stranger's Conversation from "Dubliners". A Disturbing Visitor Friendly beginnings A shabby older man approaches the boys and talks about school, books, and sweethearts.

The Stranger's Conversation from "Dubliners". A Disturbing Visitor Friendly beginnings A shabby older man approaches the boys and talks about school, books, and sweethearts.

A Disturbing Visitor Friendly beginnings A shabby older man approaches the boys and talks about school, books, and sweethearts. His apparent friendliness first seems merely tedious. A shift in tone He moves from permissive talk about boys and girls to an obsessive desire to whip boys. His fixation changes the day’s mood from boredom to alarm.

The Call for Help The Call for Help from "Dubliners". Fear and Retreat A private threat The narrator realizes that the man’s talk has become threatening and leaves, pretending to fix his shoe.

The Call for Help from "Dubliners". Fear and Retreat A private threat The narrator realizes that the man’s talk has become threatening and leaves, pretending to fix his shoe.

Fear and Retreat A private threat The narrator realizes that the man’s talk has become threatening and leaves, pretending to fix his shoe. He fears being seized as he climbs the slope. A changed judgment He calls out to Mahony, ashamed of his own disguise and relieved when his friend runs to him. The boy’s earlier contempt for Mahony gives way to repentance.

Before the summer holidays

The eve of the planned outing

Early morning at the Canal Bridge

Afternoon in a field near Ringsend

Moments after the man resumes his monologue