Joyce uses conflict within the boy's family to illustrate the
hardship the boy must face in his present condition. When the
boy first mentions his friend's sister, he tells us he has never
even spoken to her, except for a few casual words. He is
obsessed as only a young teenager can be. The boy agrees to go
out and buy something for her in the market called Araby.
However, to even accomplish such a task, he must get money from
his family. The boy lives the life of an orphan with his aunt
and uncle, who work hard to survive amid the cruelties of the
world. The eager boy reminds his uncle about the market, but he
finds his uncle busy at work, "He was fussing at the hallstand,
looking for the hat-brush, and answered me curtly: 'Yes, boy, I
know" (567). This quote shows how his family does not understand
the problem the boy is facing. They are too busy trying to make
ends meet and do not understand how much this trip means to the
boy. His uncle dismisses his request as a mere childish craving.
From his uncle's cu