Araby As one grows older, one often looks back upon a moment in his or her life as being the point in time that they finally “grew up”. Araby, by author James Joyce, follows the story of one young man on his journey to his “coming of age” moment, or the point at which he “grew up”. Having spent his childhood residing on quiet and blind North Richmond Street, he began as any other boy in his the Christian Brothers School. After developing an unrequited crush on Mangan 's sister, a girl in his neighborhood, he discovers the existence of true disappointment. However much he may think he loves her, she never seems to feel the same; nevertheless, he will not cease in his attempts to make her notice him. It is at the point he realizes that the pair can never be together that he finally has his “coming of age” moment. Short story Araby, by author James Joyce, uses literary elements such as symbolism, personification, and themes to teach valuable life lessons in a way that all types of people are able to relate to the message held within. Primarily, symbolism is a crucial element utilized to bring Araby to life. Darkness is used often to symbolize the real world and the bitter truths that come with it. When the narrator first noticed the so-called love of his life, he says, “my body was like a harp and her words and gestures were like fingers running upon the wires” (Joyce np). With this, the narrator is provided with a newfound purpose in life, yet this does not last long.