Despite divergences in personalities and life paths, individuals may find themselves in similar places. These similarities are often amplified by the personal differences between individuals. In the short story “A Little Cloud” by James Joyce, the characters Little Chandler and Gallaher are opposites in many ways, but find themselves in similar places emotionally — self-aggrandizing and unfulfilled. The differences between the two men amplify their similarities, revealing more about the individual characters than would have been individually — for which reason they act as such effective character foils for one another. The use of opposites in their personalities amplify their individual traits and the similarities in their feelings, regarding the paths their lives took. On of the more stark differences between Gallaher and Little Chandler are their differing moral beliefs. Little Chandler is described as a solemn man, who abstains from drinking among other vices, and leads a very …show more content…
In “A Little Cloud”, “melancholy was the dominant trait of [Little Chandler’s] temperament,” a statement that is asserted on multiple occasions throughout the piece. Though the same clear assertion is not extended to Gallaher, one can see through his lively and Epicurean behaviour that he is sanguine in temperament, notably in his indulgence and party-seeking across Europe. The contrast between the two is highlighted when melancholic Little Chandler, who is reluctant to indulge and is anxious to return home, is easily affected by the indulgences that the hedonistic Gallaher partakes in on a regular basis. Gallaher and Little Chandler are distinctly different individuals, a fact reaffirmed by every