Final answer:
In "Araby," the narrator is late in reaching Araby due to distractions and delays, such as forgetting to be given money and encountering obstacles in Dublin.
Step-by-step explanation:
In James Joyce's "Araby," the narrator is late in reaching Araby because he gets caught up in various distractions and delays. At the beginning of the story, he is delayed by his uncle, who forgets to give him money for the bazaar. Then, as he tries to make his way through Dublin, he encounters obstacles like the clock striking and roamers along the way.