According to Edgar Allan Poe's “Single Effect Theory,” “the short story writer should deliberately subordinate everything in the story – characters, events, style, and tone – to [ the] bring out a single preconceived effect” (qtd. in Reuben). In other words, all the elements of a story must come together to create tone. One such story is “The Dead,” an exceptional conclusion to James Joyce Dubliners (1914), a collection of short stories consisting of natural depictions of middle-class Irish men and women in the early 20th century. The main focus of “The Dead” is not only about dead people, but more specifically about a dead generation and the living who act as if they are already dead. Through artistic unity, Joyce creates a portrait of ordinary people who are more interested in fulfilling their duties than enjoying a Christmas party. In describing this dead society, Joyce adheres to Poe's "Single Effect Theory" by creating vivid images of people shackled by boring routines and the past. To begin with, Joyce describes the Misses Morkan's annual Christmas party as one characterized by a muted atmosphere of routine and lifelessness. While the holiday may seem celebratory on the surface, it is not at all. Joyce explains: “It never fell flat. For years and years it had been carried on in splendid style for as long as anyone could remember…” (175). The party is monotonous as the events repeat every year with Freddy Malins arriving late and drunk, everyone dancing the same memorized waltz steps, Mary Jane playing her Academy piece, everyone eating the same food that is served every year and Gabriel gives a speech during dinner. The Dubliners are settled in about thirty... yes, middle of paper... they are alive, but they behave like dead, while Michael Furey, who is the only real dead character in the story, lives there mostly with his emotions intense, ardent love and unconventional behavior. Furey helps Gabriel understand that life cannot be about toned-down routines and formal behavior, but must instead be full of adventure and excitement. Ultimately, Joyce uses artistic unity to suggest that people can exist outside of a state of paralysis by reaching their full potential and living in the moment. Works Cited Joyce, James. "The dead." Dubliners. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2006.175-223. Norton Critical Edition Series.Reuben, Paul P. "Chapter 3: Early Nineteenth Century-Edgar Allan Poe." PAL: Perspectives in American Literature: A Research and Reference Guide. October 21st. 2011