According to Edgar Allan Poe's “theory of unique effect,” “the short story writer must deliberately subordinate everything in the story – the characters, the incidents , style and tone – to [the] brining of a single, preconceived effect” (quoted in Reuben). In other words, all the elements of a short story must come together to create the tone. One such story is “The Dead,” an exceptional conclusion to James Joyce's Dubliners (1914), a collection of short stories composed of natural depictions of middle-class Irish men and women in the early 20th century. The primary focus of “The Dead” is not just about the dead, but more specifically about a dead generation and the living who behave as if they were already dead. Through artistic unity, Joyce creates a portrait of ordinary people more concerned with fulfilling their duties than celebrating Christmas. In depicting this dead society, Joyce adheres to Poe's "theory of single effect" by creating vivid images of people hampered by tedious routines and the past. To begin with, Joyce depicts the Morkan misses' annual Christmas party as being characterized by sleepy events. routines and lack of life. Although the holiday may seem festive at first glance, it is not. Joyce illustrates this: “never once did he fall flat. For years and years this went on in splendid style, as far back as anyone can remember…” (175). The party is monotonous as the events repeat each year with Freddy Malins arriving late and drunk, everyone dancing the same memorized steps from the waltz, Mary Jane playing her Academy piece, everyone eating the same food served every year and Gabriel giving a speech during dinner. The Dubliners have been living in a medium of paper for thirty years... are alive, but they behave as if they were dead, while Michael Furey, who is the only real dead character in the story, lives the la most with his intense emotions, ardent love and unconventional behavior. Furey helps Gabriel realize that life cannot be based on sleepy routines and formal conduct, but rather must 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 present moment.Works CitedJoyce, James. “The Dead”. Dubliners. New York: WW Norton & Company, 2006.175-223. Norton Critical Edition Series. Reuben, Paul P. “Chapter 3: Early 19th Century – Edgar Allan Poe.” » PAL: Perspectives in American Literature - A Research and Reference Guide. October 21. 2011