In short stories the narrator plays the most crucial role in the interaction between writer and reader. The choice of a narrator should help smoothly transfers the author's intentions. Joyce's story "Araby" is narrated in past tense and in first person by the protagonist. Joyce's decision to tell the story through this mouthpiece creates an avenue for Joyce to drive home his more complicated themes running through the story. The institution of religion is found throughout the entire plot as well as broader occult relations. Joyce uses a mature narrator with acquired wisdom to present the information. The narrator's language gives insight to the thematic mood Joyce wishes to create.

The wisdom and understanding acquired by the narrator is evident in the opening lines of the story. His figurative language and insightful metaphors about the streets and houses are evidence of time-produced understanding. Also the incredibly insightful...