Although Joyce's Dubliners are very much set in time and place, one might consider the characters as universal and timeless. There is almost a Shakespearian quality to them - they are simply human beings caught up in human situations. Would 'modern' Dubliners, or New Yorkers for that matter, react any differently in similar circumstances?
I am enjoying reading Dubliners!
I think that the characters portrayed during the era of Joyce's Dubliners, could be found in any city in the world, not only in the past, but even in the present.
The characters portrayed are certainly very human and as humans we have not changed in our feelings, sentiments and generally speaking getting on with our lives.
I was the James Joyce lookalike for the launch of One City, One Book in the Mansion House 28th march 2010 and thoroughly enjoyed the day.
John Shevlin,
milliner and James Joyce lookalike.