Dubliners consists of fifteen stories, each portraying a moment in the lives of different characters living in Dublin. Joyce structures the collection in a way that reflects the progression of life, moving from childhood to adolescence, adulthood, and ultimately, death. The stories collectively explore the theme of paralysis—both physical and psychological—as characters find themselves trapped by societal norms, personal weaknesses, and the weight of tradition.

In the opening story, "The Sisters," a young boy reflects on the death of a priest who had once mentored him. Through fragmented conversations and subdued emotions, Joyce conveys the boy’s first encounter with mortality and the hidden complexities of adult life. This theme of youthful disillusionment continues in "An Encounter," where two schoolboys seek adventure but instead face an unsettling experience with a strange older man. In "Araby," one of the most famous stories in the collection, a young boy develops a romantic fascination with a girl, only to face the crushing disappointment of reality when his grand expectations of a market stall fail to materialize.

The adolescent phase of the collection explores themes of desire, social pressure, and missed opportunities. "Eveline" tells the story of a young woman torn between duty and escape; she dreams of leaving Dublin with her lover but ultimately succumbs to fear and remains trapped in her oppressive home life. In "After the Race," a young man revels in the excitement of social ambition but is quickly faced with the reality of his financial limitations. "Two Gallants" presents a cynical view of romance and manipulation as two men exploit women for financial gain, reflecting the moral stagnation that pervades many of Joyce’s characters.

As the stories shift toward adulthood, themes of disillusionment and regret take center stage. "A Little Cloud" follows a man who yearns for a more exciting literary career but finds himself resigned to his mundane existence. "Counterparts" depicts a frustrated office clerk who drowns his sorrows in alcohol, only to take out his anger on his family. "Clay" offers a poignant look at loneliness through the story of a humble servant woman who finds small solace in simple traditions but is ultimately ignored by those around her.

The final stories in the collection focus on themes of mortality and existential reflection. "A Painful Case" narrates the story of a man who rejects love, only to later realize the loneliness he has doomed himself to. "Ivy Day in the Committee Room" provides a glimpse into Dublin’s political scene, revealing the disillusionment of those involved. "A Mother" presents a failed attempt at social advancement, while "Grace" offers a satirical take on religious redemption.

The collection culminates with "The Dead," Joyce’s most celebrated short story. In this profound and haunting piece, Gabriel Conroy, a well-educated man, attends a family gathering where he feels secure in his intellectual and social superiority. However, as the evening progresses, he experiences a crushing realization: his wife, Gretta, has been forever affected by a past love, a young man who died for her. As Gabriel contemplates this revelation, he is overwhelmed by the insignificance of his own life and the inevitability of death. The story closes with a breathtaking meditation on human existence, as Gabriel envisions the snow falling across all of Ireland, symbolizing the unity of life and death.

Through Dubliners, Joyce masterfully captures the struggles of ordinary individuals, weaving together themes of stagnation, fleeting hope, and the weight of the past. The collection stands as an enduring work of modernist literature, offering timeless insights into the human condition.