Although Joyce presents the kindheartedness, warmth, and love of a Christmas party very realistically, images such as these serve as reminders that the shadow of death is never for behind the fullness of life, just as the monks of Mount Melleray sleep in their coffins "to remind them of their last end," (Joyce 871) the death imagery reminds readers the death is near. During the party "there are repeated references to crosses- twice in the dance, when the partners "cross" just before Molly's "cross-examination" of Gabriel, and repeatedly in Mrs. Malin's tedious recounting of her boat "crossing"" (Munich 180). These allusions to the crucifixion foreshadow the cause of Gretta's lover's death in the end of the story. All of these motifs lead to Gretta's story and memories of her lost love, Michael Furey, and the love for him that never died. Michael shares his name with the angel of death and his death purpose with the Christ. Gretta goes on to say "he died for me" (Joyce 882) as Christ died for mankind. The story of Gretta's lover sparks feelings and thoughts in Gabriel's mind. These thoughts lead to his epiphany and to Joyce's hope for Ireland to live in the present and not in the memories of the past as Gretta does. .
At the end of the story Gabriel reaches an epiphany. He realizes that since he has not taken chances with his life and has lived the way he thought others wanted him to live, he has not lived his life to the fullest and "is one of the dead" (Walzl 449). Throughout his life Gabriel has been in constant fear of the reactions of others. He chooses the quotations for his speech based on whether people would understand and enjoy their meaning, rather than choosing the one he likes best. He attempts to avoid awkward situations with Lily by slipping her money and with Miss Ivors, by ignoring her questions and remarks. He takes the safe route by not expressing his opinions of Ireland or life in general.