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    Long Island

    by Tóibín, Colm
    Long Island by Colm Tóibín is a sequel to his 2009 novel Brooklyn, continuing the story of Eilis Lacey two decades later. Now settled in Long Island with her husband Tony and their children, Eilis faces personal upheaval when she discovers Tony has fathered a child with another woman. She returns to her hometown in Ireland, confronting past relationships and seeking solace. The novel explores themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of love and family across two countries.
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    Long Island

    Part Five:ii

    by Tóibín, Colm

    The chap­ter opens with a can­did con­ver­sa­tion among Eilis, Lar­ry, and Rosel­la as they trav­el from the air­port. Lar­ry shares details from a book about the Great Hunger, reveal­ing the dire cir­cum­stances of the Famine when peo­ple were said to have resort­ed to extreme mea­sures for sur­vival. Eilis is skep­ti­cal about Larry’s read­ing but lis­tens as he dis­cuss­es the grim real­i­ties depict­ed in the book. The sib­lings also dis­cuss the polit­i­cal con­text, includ­ing Bernadette Devlin’s activism, reflect­ing on the social and his­tor­i­cal dif­fer­ences between North­ern and South­ern Ire­land. Eilis advis­es secre­cy regard­ing their grandmother’s igno­rance of cur­rent events, empha­siz­ing respect for her pride and sen­si­tiv­i­ty.

    As the jour­ney con­tin­ues, Eilis qui­et­ly con­tem­plates the absence of com­mu­ni­ca­tion from Tony, their father, and the unspo­ken ten­sions with­in the fam­i­ly. The nar­ra­tive shifts to a more inti­mate set­ting with Eilis recall­ing her encounter with Jim Far­rell at the Mon­trose Hotel. Their inter­ac­tion is ten­der and ten­ta­tive, marked by a mix of affec­tion and restraint. Eilis is aware of the com­plex­i­ties sur­round­ing her posi­tion and the chal­lenges of leav­ing her mother’s house, yet she embraces the moment with Jim, savor­ing their con­nec­tion despite the uncer­tain­ties.

    Jim’s con­fi­dence con­trasts with Eilis’s cau­tious­ness as they dine at a qui­et Ital­ian restau­rant. Their con­ver­sa­tion touch­es on pol­i­tics, with Jim express­ing sur­prise at the Water­gate scandal’s expo­sure and reflect­ing on the dif­fer­ing per­spec­tives between Ire­land and Amer­i­ca. Eilis grap­ples with the mut­ed pub­lic aware­ness of the North­ern Ire­land con­flict in her cur­rent envi­ron­ment, not­ing the con­trast with the Amer­i­can Irish community’s pre­oc­cu­pa­tion with the issue. Jim recounts the fleet­ing atten­tion giv­en to Belfast refugees, high­light­ing the community’s shift­ing respons­es to polit­i­cal crises.

    The chap­ter con­cludes with Eilis expe­ri­enc­ing a moment of unex­pect­ed antic­i­pa­tion for the evening ahead, sig­nal­ing a sub­tle shift in her emo­tion­al state. Her reflec­tions reveal a grow­ing com­plex­i­ty in her iden­ti­ty and rela­tion­ships, under­scored by the inter­play of per­son­al desires and exter­nal pres­sures. The nar­ra­tive bal­ances his­tor­i­cal con­text, fam­i­ly dynam­ics, and inti­mate moments, weav­ing a nuanced por­tray­al of Eilis’s life as she nav­i­gates between past and present, home and abroad.

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    FAQs

    • 1. How does the chapter depict the historical context of the Great Hunger, and what impact does this have on the characters’ understanding of their heritage?

      Answer:
      The chapter references the Great Hunger (the Irish Famine) through the conversation between Larry and Eilis, where Larry reads from a book stating that during that time, people were so desperate they resorted to eating anything they could find, including each other. This historical context introduces a grim reality of their ancestors’ suffering, highlighting the severity of the famine. The characters’ discussion reveals differing perspectives: Larry’s book is factual and harsh, while Rosella’s book by Bernadette Devlin inspires admiration and hope. This contrast deepens their understanding of their heritage, mixing painful history with pride and resilience, shaping their identity as Irish descendants.

      2. What role does secrecy and protection of family dignity play in the chapter, particularly regarding the grandmother and her home?

      Answer:
      Secrecy and protection of family dignity are central themes in the chapter. Eilis explicitly instructs Rosella and Larry not to mention any troubling news to their grandmother, emphasizing that she is old, proud, and sensitive, and that it would upset her. Furthermore, Eilis notes the grandmother’s house has not been redecorated for years, suggesting a humble, possibly strained household. This protective silence reflects a cultural respect for elders and a desire to preserve family honor despite difficulties, indicating that emotional safeguarding is as important as physical care within the family dynamic.

      3. Analyze the significance of Eilis’s interactions with Jim Farrell and how they reflect her internal conflict about belonging and identity.

      Answer:
      Eilis’s interactions with Jim Farrell reveal her complex feelings about belonging and identity. Their intimate moments in the hotel room and later at the Italian restaurant show a tentative connection and comfort, yet Eilis remains cautious, mindful of her mother’s home and the social expectations she faces. Her comment about becoming American “when I got to vote against Nixon” suggests a shifting self-identity influenced by political and cultural experiences abroad. Meanwhile, her surprise at the lack of visible political unrest in Ireland contrasts with her awareness of the conflict in America. These interactions underscore her dual existence between two worlds, highlighting her internal struggle to reconcile her Irish roots with her new life.

      4. In what ways does the chapter illustrate the differing perspectives on Irish political and social issues between characters and locations?

      Answer:
      The chapter contrasts perspectives on Irish political and social issues through dialogue and setting. Larry and Rosella discuss historical discrimination and housing issues, with Rosella citing Bernadette Devlin’s claim that Catholics in Northern Ireland faced barriers in housing, which Eilis clarifies is not the case in the South. Jim Farrell’s recounting of the political atmosphere in his pub, including the initial heated debates about the North and the temporary support for displaced Catholics, shows a community’s fluctuating engagement with the Troubles. Eilis’s observation that political strife seems less visible in her hometown than in America reflects a geographic and experiential divide, illustrating how political awareness and attitudes vary depending on location and personal context.

      5. How does the chapter use setting and atmosphere to enhance the emotional tone of Eilis’s experiences?

      Answer:
      The chapter effectively uses setting and atmosphere to deepen the emotional tone of Eilis’s experiences. The journey from the airport through Ashford and Arklow, where Rosella and Larry fall asleep, creates a quiet, reflective mood, emphasizing the weight of their unspoken family tensions. The hotel room scene, with its small size and intimacy, contrasts with the anonymity of the city and the dimly lit Italian restaurant, where privacy allows Eilis to relax yet remain guarded. The lighting and quietness of the restaurant symbolize a safe space for connection, while the mention of the phone box at Parnell Avenue hints at Eilis’s challenges in maintaining personal relationships amid familial obligations. These settings mirror her internal oscillation between vulnerability, hope, and restraint.

    Quotes

    • 1. “‘That’s not what I said,’ Larry interrupted. ‘I said that you guys used to eat each other.’”

      This quote introduces a provocative and somewhat humorous misunderstanding about the historical hardship of the Great Hunger, highlighting how narratives and perceptions of history can differ and be sensationalized. It sets a tone of candid family dialogue and cultural clash early in the chapter.

      2. “‘There’s something I need to say to you both. Your Enniscorthy grandmother knows nothing about what is going on at home. Nothing! She’s old and it would upset her too much. So, not a word! Not a single word! And her house has not been decorated for years. I’m not sure what rooms we will all be sleeping in. But no complaining. Your grandmother is very proud and very sensitive.’”

      This passage reveals the delicate family dynamics and the importance of protecting elders from painful realities, underscoring themes of pride, secrecy, and the quiet endurance within family relationships. It also hints at the humble living conditions contrasting with emotional complexity.

      3. “‘I think I became one when I got to vote against Nixon. I felt like an American then.’”

      Eilis’s reflection captures a key moment of identity and belonging, marking the political act of voting as a defining experience of becoming American. This quote encapsulates the themes of cultural integration and personal transformation central to the chapter’s exploration of identity.

      4. “‘I don’t understand how little I see and hear just now about Derry and Belfast,’ Eilis said. ‘I thought there would be flags and marches down here too. In America, it’s what everyone wants to talk to you about if you are Irish.’”

      This quote highlights the contrast between the political awareness and activism experienced abroad versus the quieter, more subdued reality at home. It reveals the complexities of national identity and the differing perspectives on conflict within the Irish diaspora.

      5. “‘At the beginning,’ Jim said, ‘the subject of the North was very heated. There was a shouting match one night in the pub with fellows demanding we should invade the North. And then later people who were burned out of their houses in Belfast, Catholic people, came to the town. Everyone bought drinks for them and they had terrible stories. But not long after, they were huddled in a group together with no one paying any attention to them. And then we never saw them again. They must have gone back to the North.’”

      This passage poignantly illustrates the initial solidarity and subsequent fading attention towards those affected by conflict, reflecting on human empathy, social dynamics, and the transient nature of public concern. It serves as a subtle commentary on political and social disengagement.

    Quotes

    1. “‘That’s not what I said,’ Larry interrupted. ‘I said that you guys used to eat each other.’”

    This quote introduces a provocative and somewhat humorous misunderstanding about the historical hardship of the Great Hunger, highlighting how narratives and perceptions of history can differ and be sensationalized. It sets a tone of candid family dialogue and cultural clash early in the chapter.

    2. “‘There’s something I need to say to you both. Your Enniscorthy grandmother knows nothing about what is going on at home. Nothing! She’s old and it would upset her too much. So, not a word! Not a single word! And her house has not been decorated for years. I’m not sure what rooms we will all be sleeping in. But no complaining. Your grandmother is very proud and very sensitive.’”

    This passage reveals the delicate family dynamics and the importance of protecting elders from painful realities, underscoring themes of pride, secrecy, and the quiet endurance within family relationships. It also hints at the humble living conditions contrasting with emotional complexity.

    3. “‘I think I became one when I got to vote against Nixon. I felt like an American then.’”

    Eilis’s reflection captures a key moment of identity and belonging, marking the political act of voting as a defining experience of becoming American. This quote encapsulates the themes of cultural integration and personal transformation central to the chapter’s exploration of identity.

    4. “‘I don’t understand how little I see and hear just now about Derry and Belfast,’ Eilis said. ‘I thought there would be flags and marches down here too. In America, it’s what everyone wants to talk to you about if you are Irish.’”

    This quote highlights the contrast between the political awareness and activism experienced abroad versus the quieter, more subdued reality at home. It reveals the complexities of national identity and the differing perspectives on conflict within the Irish diaspora.

    5. “‘At the beginning,’ Jim said, ‘the subject of the North was very heated. There was a shouting match one night in the pub with fellows demanding we should invade the North. And then later people who were burned out of their houses in Belfast, Catholic people, came to the town. Everyone bought drinks for them and they had terrible stories. But not long after, they were huddled in a group together with no one paying any attention to them. And then we never saw them again. They must have gone back to the North.’”

    This passage poignantly illustrates the initial solidarity and subsequent fading attention towards those affected by conflict, reflecting on human empathy, social dynamics, and the transient nature of public concern. It serves as a subtle commentary on political and social disengagement.

    FAQs

    1. How does the chapter depict the historical context of the Great Hunger, and what impact does this have on the characters’ understanding of their heritage?

    Answer:
    The chapter references the Great Hunger (the Irish Famine) through the conversation between Larry and Eilis, where Larry reads from a book stating that during that time, people were so desperate they resorted to eating anything they could find, including each other. This historical context introduces a grim reality of their ancestors’ suffering, highlighting the severity of the famine. The characters’ discussion reveals differing perspectives: Larry’s book is factual and harsh, while Rosella’s book by Bernadette Devlin inspires admiration and hope. This contrast deepens their understanding of their heritage, mixing painful history with pride and resilience, shaping their identity as Irish descendants.

    2. What role does secrecy and protection of family dignity play in the chapter, particularly regarding the grandmother and her home?

    Answer:
    Secrecy and protection of family dignity are central themes in the chapter. Eilis explicitly instructs Rosella and Larry not to mention any troubling news to their grandmother, emphasizing that she is old, proud, and sensitive, and that it would upset her. Furthermore, Eilis notes the grandmother’s house has not been redecorated for years, suggesting a humble, possibly strained household. This protective silence reflects a cultural respect for elders and a desire to preserve family honor despite difficulties, indicating that emotional safeguarding is as important as physical care within the family dynamic.

    3. Analyze the significance of Eilis’s interactions with Jim Farrell and how they reflect her internal conflict about belonging and identity.

    Answer:
    Eilis’s interactions with Jim Farrell reveal her complex feelings about belonging and identity. Their intimate moments in the hotel room and later at the Italian restaurant show a tentative connection and comfort, yet Eilis remains cautious, mindful of her mother’s home and the social expectations she faces. Her comment about becoming American “when I got to vote against Nixon” suggests a shifting self-identity influenced by political and cultural experiences abroad. Meanwhile, her surprise at the lack of visible political unrest in Ireland contrasts with her awareness of the conflict in America. These interactions underscore her dual existence between two worlds, highlighting her internal struggle to reconcile her Irish roots with her new life.

    4. In what ways does the chapter illustrate the differing perspectives on Irish political and social issues between characters and locations?

    Answer:
    The chapter contrasts perspectives on Irish political and social issues through dialogue and setting. Larry and Rosella discuss historical discrimination and housing issues, with Rosella citing Bernadette Devlin’s claim that Catholics in Northern Ireland faced barriers in housing, which Eilis clarifies is not the case in the South. Jim Farrell’s recounting of the political atmosphere in his pub, including the initial heated debates about the North and the temporary support for displaced Catholics, shows a community’s fluctuating engagement with the Troubles. Eilis’s observation that political strife seems less visible in her hometown than in America reflects a geographic and experiential divide, illustrating how political awareness and attitudes vary depending on location and personal context.

    5. How does the chapter use setting and atmosphere to enhance the emotional tone of Eilis’s experiences?

    Answer:
    The chapter effectively uses setting and atmosphere to deepen the emotional tone of Eilis’s experiences. The journey from the airport through Ashford and Arklow, where Rosella and Larry fall asleep, creates a quiet, reflective mood, emphasizing the weight of their unspoken family tensions. The hotel room scene, with its small size and intimacy, contrasts with the anonymity of the city and the dimly lit Italian restaurant, where privacy allows Eilis to relax yet remain guarded. The lighting and quietness of the restaurant symbolize a safe space for connection, while the mention of the phone box at Parnell Avenue hints at Eilis’s challenges in maintaining personal relationships amid familial obligations. These settings mirror her internal oscillation between vulnerability, hope, and restraint.

    Note