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 distracted adult affect the meaning of the story? He creates tension in the story as the uncle who gets home late and forgets about the boy's intentions. He is an object of the main character's affection as the bumbling uncle who likes to quote poetry. He changes the outcome of the story by making the boy regret wanting to go the market in the first place.

The distracted adult in "Araby" by James Joyce plays a significant role in shaping the meaning of the story. Here's how the distracted adult affects the story: 1. **Creating Tension**: The adult's distraction, particularly the uncle's late arrival and forgetfulness about the boy's intentions, creates tension in the story. This tension adds depth to the narrative and heightens the boy's feelings of disappointment and regret. 2. **Object of Affection**: The adult, specifically the uncle, becomes an object of the main character's affection. The boy admires his uncle's quirky nature, such as his love for quoting poetry. This admiration adds a layer of complexity to the boy's character and his relationship with the adult. 3. **Changing the Outcome**: The adult's actions, particularly the uncle's forgetfulness, change the outcome of the story. The boy regrets wanting to go to the market in the first place, which reflects the adult's influence on the boy's perspective and emotions. This change in the boy's feelings adds a layer of irony and depth to the story. Overall, the distracted adult in "Araby" serves as a catalyst for the boy's emotional journey and the development of the story's themes. The adult's actions and interactions with the boy contribute to the tension, affection, and ultimately the regret that shape the story's meaning.