The ending of the story is also interesting. Maria sings the first verse of the song twice, without realising her error. It may be significant that no one tells Maria that she has made a mistake. This in turn may suggest that Maria is to continue living her life as she has, doing the same things and living the same way. In essence paralysed and escaping from the realities of the world. It may also be significant that the song Maria sings at the end of the story, is a song about a woman going from rags to riches. Joyce may be using irony to symbolise that nothing will change for Maria.