Long Island
Part One:ii
by Tóibín, ColmThe chapter opens with a depiction of Tony’s father’s Saturday ritual of checking on his sons’ cars, a gesture reflecting his care and mechanical expertise despite his wife’s concerns about him getting dirty. This routine extends to Eilis, who has recently acquired an inexpensive car, drawing her father-in-law’s attention and approval. His recommendation of Mr Dakessian, a trusted Armenian mechanic and family friend, underlines the community’s reliance on dependable, honest service and the importance of maintaining familial and cultural ties through shared support networks.
Eilis’s interactions with Mr Dakessian deepen beyond automotive matters, revealing layers of cultural history and personal identity. Mr Dakessian shares his Armenian heritage and the pain of displacement, highlighting his family’s escape from historical atrocities and the preservation of tradition through his daughter’s upcoming Armenian wedding. Their conversation draws a parallel to Tony’s Italian family, emphasizing the enduring connection immigrant families maintain with their origins, even while integrating into a new society.
The narrative then shifts to Eilis’s role within the family business, where her efforts to introduce structured accounting meet resistance from Tony and his brothers, who perceive her involvement as intrusive. This tension illustrates the challenges of balancing professional competence with family dynamics and cultural expectations. Frank’s candid remark about his own unwillingness to work within the family business contrasts with Eilis’s dedication, setting the stage for her decision to seek a different professional path.
Ultimately, Eilis accepts Mr Dakessian’s offer to work at his garage, a move motivated by both practical considerations and her strained position within Tony’s family business. The negotiation of working hours, holidays, and salary reflects her pragmatic approach and desire for autonomy. This decision signifies a turning point, as she embraces a new opportunity that aligns with her skills and aspirations, while maintaining the supportive relationships that have shaped her experience thus far.
FAQs
1. How does the chapter illustrate the relationship between Tony’s family and their cars, and what role does Eilis play in this dynamic?
Answer:
The chapter portrays Tony’s family as closely connected to their cars, with Tony’s father maintaining a Saturday ritual of checking on his sons’ vehicles, demonstrating a hands-on, caring attitude. This ritual includes inspecting oil and water levels, emphasizing the importance of car maintenance. Eilis becomes part of this dynamic when she buys a cheap car herself, attracting the attention of Tony’s father-in-law, who inquires about her car’s condition and praises it as a bargain. Eilis also manages the family business accounts, which involves dealing regularly with Mr Dakessian, the trusted local garage owner. Thus, Eilis is integrated into the family’s practical concerns and business operations, bridging the familial care for cars and the professional management of their upkeep.2. Analyze the significance of Mr Dakessian’s Armenian heritage and his discussions with Eilis about history. How does this add depth to the narrative?
Answer:
Mr Dakessian’s Armenian heritage and his conversations with Eilis introduce themes of displacement, cultural memory, and identity. His reflections on the Armenian killings and the sadness he feels watching his son grow up unaware of their roots parallel the immigrant experience and the preservation of heritage in a new country. By sharing books on Armenian and Irish history, Mr Dakessian creates a cultural connection with Eilis, highlighting shared experiences of suffering and survival. This deepens the narrative by showing how personal histories and cultural identities influence characters’ lives beyond the immediate story of car maintenance and family business, enriching the text with themes of memory, belonging, and intergenerational legacy.3. What challenges does Eilis face in her role managing the family business accounts, and how does this lead to her decision to accept a job at Mr Dakessian’s garage?
Answer:
Eilis faces resistance from Tony and his brothers when she tries to implement a structured invoicing and accounting system. Her attempts to introduce order are perceived as interference, with Enzo complaining to his mother that Eilis is trying to tell them how to run their business. This tension reflects a clash between traditional family dynamics and professional management. Frank’s blunt remark that he would never work for his brothers underscores the difficulties Eilis encounters. These challenges motivate her to consider Mr Dakessian’s offer to work at his garage, where she sees an opportunity to apply her skills in a more welcoming environment. The decision reflects her desire for professional respect and a better working atmosphere.4. How does the chapter explore the theme of cultural identity through the portrayal of both Tony’s Italian family and Mr Dakessian’s Armenian family?
Answer:
The chapter explores cultural identity by contrasting and comparing Tony’s Italian family and Mr Dakessian’s Armenian family. Tony’s family is described as behaving “like they never left Italy,” implying a strong retention of cultural traditions and identity. Similarly, Mr Dakessian’s daughter’s wedding, conducted entirely in Armenian, symbolizes the preservation of cultural heritage despite living abroad. Both families maintain their unique customs and languages, underscoring the immigrant experience of balancing assimilation with cultural preservation. Through these portrayals, the chapter highlights how cultural identity shapes family life, business practices, and interpersonal relationships, emphasizing the importance of heritage in shaping individuals’ lives.5. If you were in Eilis’s position, how might you approach discussing the job offer from Mr Dakessian with Tony, considering the potential for misunderstanding or conflict?
Answer:
In Eilis’s position, approaching the conversation with Tony would require openness, honesty, and sensitivity to his feelings. Given that Tony might expect her to continue managing the family business accounts, it would be important to explain her reasons for accepting the job offer, such as seeking professional growth and a more supportive work environment. Emphasizing that the decision is not a rejection of the family but a step towards personal development may help mitigate any feelings of betrayal or misunderstanding. Additionally, inviting Tony to share his thoughts and concerns could foster mutual understanding. Clear communication would be essential to maintaining trust and respect while navigating this potential conflict.
Quotes
1. “The best cars ever made stop dead in the street because their owners didn’t check the oil and the water.”
This quote highlights the importance of regular care and attention in maintaining reliability, serving as a metaphor for responsibility and vigilance. It reflects the father’s practical wisdom and sets the tone for the familial and business dynamics explored in the chapter.
2. “‘Any problem with your car, you go to Dakessian.’”
This succinct endorsement of Mr Dakessian’s garage underscores themes of trust, community ties, and loyalty within immigrant networks. It also introduces a key character whose relationship with the family becomes central to the chapter’s developments.
3. “‘I feel sad about it all, more than sad sometimes, especially watching my son Erik growing up here and knowing nothing about where he came from.’”
This poignant reflection by Mr Dakessian reveals the emotional weight of displacement and the struggle to preserve cultural identity across generations. It deepens the chapter’s exploration of heritage and belonging.
4. “‘They want you to be more humble,’ Frank said. ‘I know what I would do.’ … ‘They are my brothers. I love them. But I would not be caught dead working for them.’”
This candid exchange exposes underlying tensions and gender dynamics within the family business, highlighting Eilis’s challenges in asserting her professional expertise amid traditional expectations. It marks a turning point prompting her decision to accept an external job offer.
5. “‘Start as soon as you can,’ Mr Dakessian said. ‘You can learn the ropes from Lusin before she goes.’”
This quote signifies Eilis’s decisive step toward independence and professional growth. It closes the chapter on a note of new opportunity and transition, encapsulating the theme of change and adaptation.