Final answer:
The narrator's actions in 'Araby' of watching Mangan's sister reveal the depth of his crush through his anticipation and the emotional weight he places on small interactions, showing his romantic idealism.
Step-by-step explanation:
In James Joyce's short story Araby, the narrator's act of watching Mangan's sister leave her house exemplifies his deep infatuation and the intensity of his feelings. The act of observation is less about surveillance and more about the narrator's captivation and idealization of her. He waits for moments to catch a glimpse of her, which signifies the aching fervor with which he regards her. These moments are charged with anticipation and emotion, signaling to the reader the depth of the narrator's crush.
The story masterfully portrays the potency of a young crush, where each interaction, no matter how small, is imbued with profound significance. The narrator's preoccupation with Mangan's sister and his actions convey how much she occupies his thoughts and emotions, highlighting the romantic idealism typical of youthful love.