The Dead

Set during a Christmas-season party, the narrative revolves around a married couple visiting the husband's elderly aunts. Through vivid storytelling, Joyce captures the dynamics of family gatherings and relationships. A pivotal confession from the wife near the end reveals profound truths, exemplifying Joyce's innovative use of epiphany, where sudden clarity transforms the understanding of characters and readers alike. This exploration of intimacy and revelation makes it a standout piece in twentieth-century literature.