Long Island
Part One:iii
by Tóibín, ColmIn this chapter, Eilis grapples with a disturbing situation involving a threat from a man who plans to leave a baby on their doorstep. Her initial physical distress and Rosella’s concern highlight the tension permeating her daily life. Eilis attempts to maintain normalcy, engaging in household chores and work, while Tony’s silence and evasiveness deepen the strain between them. Their nighttime conversation reveals Tony’s awareness of the threat and his struggle to communicate, further complicating their relationship as Eilis demands honesty about the situation and Tony’s fidelity.
Despite Tony’s assurances that no other person is involved, the couple’s interactions are marked by distance and unspoken fears. Eilis finds herself isolated with the burden of the threat, as neither Rosella nor Larry know the full extent of the problem. Tony’s avoidance and early bedtimes amplify the growing emotional gap. Eilis’s internal conflict intensifies as she contemplates the implications of the man’s threat and Tony’s apparent helplessness, while she resolutely refuses to take responsibility for the baby should it arrive.
The chapter also explores the dynamics within Tony’s family, particularly the influence of his mother, Francesca, who seems oblivious or indifferent to the crisis. Eilis suspects Tony has withheld information from his mother, adding another layer of complexity and uncertainty. This familial tension underscores the challenges Eilis faces in seeking support and guidance, as she navigates the threat largely alone, balancing her resolve with the emotional toll it exacts.
Towards the end, Eilis takes a proactive step by contacting Frank’s law office, signaling her desire to find a solution beyond the confines of her immediate domestic struggles. This action reflects her determination to confront the situation pragmatically, even as she remains wary of Tony’s intentions and the unpredictable influence of his family. The chapter closes on a note of quiet tension, with Eilis poised between resignation and the need for decisive action.
FAQs
1. How does Eilis’s interaction with Tony reveal the tension and unspoken issues in their relationship?
Answer:
Eilis’s conversations and silent moments with Tony highlight a growing tension and unspoken distress between them. When Eilis confronts Tony about the man who threatened to leave a baby on their doorstep, Tony’s reluctance to speak initially and his eventual admission that the threat is real show his struggle to communicate. Their silence in bed, Tony pretending to sleep, and Eilis’s hesitation to break the silence underscore emotional distance and discomfort. This tension is further emphasized when Tony avoids discussing the issue and Eilis resolves not to care for the baby, revealing their conflicting feelings and lack of mutual support.2. What does the chapter suggest about Eilis’s coping mechanisms in dealing with the stressful situation involving the baby threat?
Answer:
Eilis copes by immersing herself in work and household tasks, such as washing the floor repeatedly and staying late at the garage, which allows her to escape the tension at home. She also tries to maintain a semblance of normality, despite the heavy burden she carries alone since Rosella and Larry are unaware of the situation. Her decision to avoid discussing the baby threat with Tony when he resists, and her firm stance on refusing to care for the baby, illustrate how she sets emotional boundaries to protect herself. Additionally, her initiative to contact Frank’s law office indicates a proactive approach to seeking help or advice.3. Analyze the role of silence and communication in the chapter. How do these elements affect the characters’ relationship and the unfolding of events?
Answer:
Silence and communication play pivotal roles in shaping the characters’ relationship and the narrative. The chapter uses silence to convey emotional distance and unresolved conflict; Tony’s quietness and Eilis’s internal deliberations create a charged atmosphere where much remains unsaid. This silence causes frustration and mistrust, as seen when Eilis worries Tony might fall asleep without addressing the crisis. When communication does occur, it is fraught with hesitation and guarded honesty, such as Tony’s eventual admission about the baby threat and his denial of infidelity. The lack of open dialogue exacerbates their isolation and complicates their ability to face the problem together.4. Considering Eilis’s firm stance that she will not care for the baby, how might this decision impact her relationship with Tony and the broader family dynamics?
Answer:
Eilis’s refusal to care for the baby introduces a significant challenge to her marriage and family relations. It directly confronts Tony’s situation and forces a division of responsibility, potentially causing strain if Tony expects her to share the burden. This stance may lead to increased tension or resentment, especially since Tony appears more resigned or helpless. Furthermore, Eilis’s concern about Tony’s mother Francesca’s influence suggests that family dynamics could complicate matters; Francesca’s tendency to excuse problematic behavior might undermine Eilis’s position and pressure her into compliance. The decision sets the stage for conflict over roles, responsibilities, and loyalties within their domestic and extended family life.5. What does Eilis’s decision to contact Frank’s law office imply about her character and her approach to the unfolding crisis?
Answer:
Eilis’s choice to reach out to Frank’s law office demonstrates her pragmatic and proactive nature. Despite feeling isolated and burdened, she takes concrete steps to seek external support or advice, signaling a willingness to confront the problem rather than avoid it completely. This action contrasts with Tony’s silence and passivity, highlighting Eilis’s determination to find a solution. It also reflects her recognition that the situation may require legal or professional intervention, indicating maturity and foresight. This decision may mark a turning point in the narrative, where Eilis asserts some control amid uncertainty.
Quotes
1. “‘Does that man who came today mean what he said? Does he really plan to leave a baby on my doorstep or is it just a way of letting you know how angry he is?’”
This quote captures a key turning point where Eilis confronts Tony about the gravity of the threat they face, highlighting her need for truth and clarity amid a tense and uncertain domestic situation.
2. “‘He means what he says,’ Tony whispered. ‘There’s no doubt about that. He loves making rules and big statements. He has her very frightened.’”
Tony’s admission reveals the seriousness of the threat and the emotional stakes involved, underscoring the fear and tension that permeate their relationship and the household.
3. “‘There are no circumstances under which I am going to look after a baby. It is your business, not mine.’”
Eilis’s firm declaration marks a critical moment of boundary-setting and resistance, expressing her unwillingness to assume responsibility for the baby and emphasizing the conflict between personal limits and marital obligations.
4. “Once she let herself see things from his perspective, the dilemma was clear. If he really believed that this man was going to dump a baby on their doorstep, then he must be feeling helpless. But she had to steel herself from feeling sympathy for him.”
This reflection provides insight into Eilis’s internal struggle to balance empathy with self-protection, illustrating the complex emotional dynamics that define her relationship with Tony and the crisis they face.
5. “Without her support, he could do nothing.”
This succinct statement encapsulates the power dynamics in their relationship, revealing Tony’s dependence on Eilis’s cooperation and highlighting the precarious balance of their partnership amid external threats.