In James Joyce's short story "Araby," the narrator is excited and hopeful in the days and hours leading up to his trip to Araby. He wants to pick out a gift for the young girl he has a crush on and believes his visit to the Araby will allow him to get her a gift that will impress her. His upcoming trip fills him with hope and sparks his imagination and allows him - temporarily - to imagine a life beyond his circumstances.
