In the following essay, Pecora approaches the question of whether Gabriel acquires a level of self-understanding at the close of "The Dead," maintaining that Gabriel "in no way overcomes or transcends the conditions of his existence."

In the following essay, Lytle analyzes "The Dead, " arguing that Christian symbolism is crucial to understanding the story.

In the following essay, Ellmann uses biographical details to illuminate Joyce's highly autobiographical approach to "The Dead. "

In the following essay, Walzl investigates the ambiguous symbolic qualities of "The Dead, " seeing the story both as the penultimate tale of paralysis in Dubliners, and as one of spiritual development and final redemption.

In the following excerpt, Handy examines the thematic nature of "The Dead, " particularly its theme of spiritual death.

In the following essay, Loe contends that the true genre of "The Dead" is the novella, and explores the work's theme and narrative technique in terms of this genre.

In the following essay, Avery proposes that close attention to the language used in "The Dead" reveals a crucial separation of the narrative voice from that of the main character, Gabriel

In the following excerpt, Smith explores dichotomies of color and light as essential symbolism in "The Dead. "

In the following excerpt, Kaye examines "The Dead" as a study of Gabriel Conroy's epiphany and traces Joyce's ironic religious symbolism in the work.

In the following essay, Loomis interprets the structure of "The Dead" as a vehicle for reader sympathy.