Question

refer to explorations in literature for a complete version of this story. in \araby,\ james joyce uses many archetypal images: the innocent youth, the mysterious female, and the distracted adult. how does the mysterious female affect the meaning of the story? accepting the females lack of interest is the protagonists main obstacle. seeking to understand the female is the protagonists unattainable goal. buying the female a gift despite interference results in a satisfying ending. dealing with the youths emotions toward the female slows the pace of the story.

Explanation:

In "Araby", the protagonist is infatuated with the mysterious female, and his quest to understand her and win her affection drives the story. His goal remains unattainable as the reality of the situation dawns on him at the end.

Answer:

Seeking to understand the female is the protagonist's unattainable goal.