Friday October 10th

“Little Chandler’s thoughts ever since lunchtime had been of his meeting with Gallaher, of Gallaher’s invitation and of the great city London where Gallaher lived. He was called Little Chandler because, though he was but slightly under the average satutre, he gave one the idea of being a little man.” – A Little Cloud, lines 8-12

The description of Gallaher and Little Chandler is an important passage because it sets up a contrasting existence between the two men. Throughout the rest of “A Little Cloud”, Little Chandler spends his time with Gallaher in awe and admiration at all the life experiences Gallaher has had and he has missed out on. The fact that Gallaher began his adventures in London is prominent because the Irish people felt oppressed by the British, giving Gallaher a sense of esteem and importance. The description of Chandler as ‘Little’ also implies that he has had a narrow view of his life and has experienced very little. At the end of the story, Little Chandler comes into the realization that his life is lacking any real excitement and this is catalyzed by his meeting with Gallaher and the opening of his eyes.

Joyce uses contrasting diction and syntax as well as repetition in this passage in order to convey his meaning. The constant use of Gallaher’s name coupled with the flow of the sentence; give an aura to Gallaher that goes beyond the description of Little Chandler. The use of ‘little’ in Chandlers name creates an air of childishness and limitation, therefore stunting the characters growth and establishing him as ‘below’ Gallaher.