Memories A Commentary on The Dead in Dubliners by James Joyce
... This feeling is also displayed in The Dead by James Joyce. Though the characters in The Dead are quick to idolize their memories of the past, Joyce clearly displays that the past is not perfect. ... As Joyce points out later, it is not necessarily that modern music is worse than the music of yesterday. ... That night both had been reminded of old memories, but the effects of these memories is quite different. Joyce uses this example more than any other to demonstrate the danger of memories. The memories that Gabriel have serve to regenerate his earlier passions for his wife. ... This however is a sad commentary on the state of their relationship. ... Everyone has fond memories of the past.