The exoteric plot of the party reveals the fragmented inner self of the main character, Gabriel Conroy, while simultaneously revealing the fragmented state of Ireland. For example, Miss Ivors argues with Gabriel, calling him a West Briton, revealing Gabriel’s lack of patriotism and rather disgust with his country. The chaos of the party comes to the reader in fragments, from the Aunts Kate and Julia stressing over the party guests and details, to the terribly heinous snowstorm outside, to the rather awkward conversations between the characters, such as Gabriel and Miss Ivors. Finally, the short story concludes with Gretta Conroy’s fragmented memory of her first love's (Micheal Fuery) death, and how her past was full of passionate love and emotional depth that her present life lacks. The fragmentation reveals the poor communication between the characters who struggle to articulate themselves to one another, leading to confusion and hurt. In contrast to Gretta, Gabriel comes to the realization he has not experienced the full human experience as he has closed his heart off. Now, as he sits in the hotel bed in his older years, he is full of regret and nostalgia for how he decided to live his life.
