Question

In James Joyce's story "Araby," what is the relationship between the archetype of the questing hero and the archetype of the pure maiden? The hero wins the prize the maiden requested so she accepts his love. The maiden dashes the hero's hopes when she forbids the hero to speak to her. The pure maiden is a helper during the hero's quest, giving him aid and comfort. The romantic ideal of the pure maiden inspires the hero to begin his quest.

Answer 1

The correct answer is - The romantic ideal of the pure maiden inspires the hero to begin his quest.

The protagonist is inspired by his crush, Mangan's sister, to set off on a journey to the bazaar in order to get her a present. She is his muse, his inspiration, someone he wants to woo and make happy by giving her a present from the bazaar. She doesn't help him in any way - she is just there to inspire him to 'great deeds' which he ultimately fails to accomplish.

Answer 2

The correct answer should be The romantic ideal of the pure maiden inspires the hero to begin his quest.

The hero has this ideal but soon he finds out that neither is he a hero, nor is she a romantic ideal, nor is Araby some great mystical place where his quest will be fulfilled.