Snow as a Symbol in The Dead

A recurring symbol in Joyce's The Dead is the weather, specifically snow. Within the text it is representative of multiple figurative concepts, and has literal significance in regard as well. Its literal significance comes in the form of discussion between characters, hindering their ability to travel, and causing or threatening to cause sickness. Looking at it from a figurative perspective, the snow could be the vehicle for two different but related tenors. The first, and most important tenor is the concept of death. After he learns of the death of Michael Furey, one of Gabriel's first actions is to notice the snow, and Joyce remarks on how the snow, like death, falls indiscriminately on everyone. The next tenor that the snow represents is the character's emotions. The snow is first mentioned when Gabriel's aunts are worried that he has not yet arrived. It becomes a prominent part of the story again when everyone begins to leave the party, and the joyous night is over. In the cab, when a more somber attitude takes over, it is once again discussed, as it covers a statue. Finally, it's universal nature is discussed when Gabriel begins to think about his decline, and his Aunt's impending death. Snow is used as a vehicle to represent both death, and the sadness that goes along with it.