Eveline

"She sat at the window watching evening invade the avenue. Her head was leaned against the window curtains and in her nostrils was the odor of dusty cretonne. She was tired." page 218


1. Analyze the first brief paragraph in detail. How doe it help to introduce the story's theme? Why does the narrator use the unexpected word "invade" in the first sentence? Why is the second sentence written in passive voice?


I think the the first paragraph introduces the story's theme of letting life pass us by and not taking opportunities presented to us. The first sentence says that Eveline was "watching". She has been a spectator her entire life, always doing what she was told and never really making decisions for herself. I think the narrator uses the word invade because something new and unexpected has entered Eveline's life. Before Frank, Eveline had lived a life of pleasing others and always doing what was expected of her. Frank entering Eveline's life has forced her to make a decision that could ultimately change her life. I think the second sentence is written in passive voice to emphasize that Eveline is a passive person. She doesn't take control of her life or make decisions. She sits back and observes other people live their lives, never taking time for herself. She's clearly not happy with her life, with her dead mother, verbally abusive father, and unsatisfying job. However, she is too scared to take initiative and make a change in her life that could make her happier.