Long Island
Part One:v
by Tóibín, ColmIn this chapter, Eilis grapples with the unsettling presence of a man’s visit that lingers in her mind like a sudden chill. Meanwhile, Tony remains secretive about the plans he and his mother are making, leaving Eilis feeling somewhat isolated despite their outward appearance as the perfect married couple. She resists sharing the troubling news about the baby and possible adoption, hoping to rely on Frank for further information. Their daily walks around the neighborhood become a subtle dance of unspoken thoughts and observations, underscoring the tension beneath their seemingly normal life.
At work, Eilis brings her camera to capture moments of her daily environment and colleagues, intending to send the photos to her mother back home. Their conversation reveals the deep distance and longing between them, as Eilis has not seen her mother for over twenty years and worries when letters do not arrive. Mr. Dakessian’s suggestion that Eilis invite her mother to America highlights the emotional barrier between them, shaped by time and circumstance, and underscores the theme of separation and connection that runs through the chapter.
A visit from Lena introduces an element of support and discretion. Lena offers help and understanding regarding the distressing situation with the baby, emphasizing the need for secrecy from others, especially Enzo. This moment of solidarity contrasts with the isolation Eilis feels and hints at the complex social dynamics within their community. Meanwhile, a letter from Eilis’s mother brings a bittersweet reminder of her past, notably the absence of Jim Farrell’s name, rekindling memories of a summer romance kept secret from everyone, including Tony.
The chapter closes with a reflective scene at Jones Beach, where Eilis recalls earlier, happier times with Tony and their friends. The description of their Sunday gatherings evokes a sense of nostalgia and community, highlighting Tony’s devotion and the romantic idealism surrounding their secret marriage. The young women’s admiration of their story underscores the enduring hope and belief in love, even as Eilis navigates the uncertainties and challenges that now define her life.
FAQs
1. How does Eilis’s relationship with Tony reflect the themes of secrecy and unspoken tensions in this chapter?
Answer:
Eilis and Tony’s relationship is depicted as outwardly perfect, with their interactions resembling those of a happily married couple. However, beneath this facade, there is a significant amount of secrecy and unspoken tension. Tony and his mother have plans that Tony does not share with Eilis, and she, in turn, withholds information about the baby and the possibility of adoption, fearing she might need more information from Frank later. This dynamic highlights themes of communication barriers and the emotional strain that secrecy imposes on relationships. The chapter uses their silence and avoidance to underscore the complexity and fragility of their bond.2. What role does Eilis’s connection to her past in Ireland play in the narrative, and how is this connection portrayed through the interactions with other characters?
Answer:
Eilis’s ties to her Irish past are portrayed as both distant and emotionally significant. The letter from her mother, listing people in Enniscorthy who have asked after her, serves as a tangible link to her origins, yet the notable absence of Jim Farrell’s name introduces a sense of unresolved history. The narrative reveals that Eilis had a summer romance with Jim, which she kept secret due to her marriage to Tony in Brooklyn. This past relationship and her silence about it reflect the emotional complexity of her identity split between two worlds. Interactions with characters like Mr Dakessian also emphasize her feelings of separation and longing, as she discusses missing her mother and the long absence between visits.3. Analyze the significance of the scene at Jones Beach in relation to Eilis’s emotional state and her sense of belonging.
Answer:
The Jones Beach scene is rich in symbolic meaning, representing both nostalgia and the contrast between past and present. The description of the beach outings with Tony and his brothers evokes a time of happiness, community, and shared experiences. However, Eilis’s decision to drive there alone, despite the blustery weather reminiscent of Ireland, suggests a moment of introspection and emotional solitude. This solitary walk by the sea highlights her inner conflict and perhaps a longing for clarity or peace amid the turbulence in her life. The beach, a place tied to joyful memories, contrasts with the current uncertainty she faces, underscoring her complex feelings about home, marriage, and identity.4. How do Lena and Clara’s actions toward Eilis illustrate the themes of friendship and support in the chapter?
Answer:
Lena and Clara’s visit to Eilis, despite the risk of gossip and investigation by Francesca, exemplifies genuine friendship and solidarity. Lena’s offer to help in any way—whether through money, advice, or simply listening—reflects a deep concern for Eilis’s well-being amidst difficult circumstances. Their cautious approach, including Lena’s warning to keep the visit secret from Enzo, reveals the social pressures and scrutiny women face within their community. This interaction highlights the importance of female support networks in providing emotional and practical aid, especially when dealing with sensitive issues like the “awful baby.” It underscores the chapter’s theme that friendships can be a vital source of strength during personal crises.5. Considering Eilis’s concealed marriage to Tony and her past romance with Jim Farrell, what does this reveal about the challenges of identity and loyalty she faces?
Answer:
Eilis’s secret marriage to Tony and her hidden past romance with Jim Farrell reveal the complex challenges she faces regarding identity and loyalty. She is caught between two lives: the Irish community that knows her as a single woman and the American life where she is married. Her decision not to disclose her marriage to anyone in Enniscorthy, including her mother and Jim, indicates a struggle to reconcile these identities and the fear of the consequences of revealing the truth. This concealment suggests themes of personal sacrifice and the emotional burden of living with divided loyalties. It also highlights the difficulty of navigating cultural expectations and personal desires within the immigrant experience.
Quotes
1. “Eilis tried to put the man’s visit out of her mind, but his voice came to her in odd moments. It was like a change in temperature, or a shift in the light, and it made her shiver.”
This opening reflection captures the lingering emotional impact of an unsettling encounter on Eilis, setting a tone of internal conflict and unease that underpins much of the chapter.
2. “Anyone seeing them, she thought, would believe they were the perfect married couple.”
This observation reveals the contrast between outward appearances and private realities in Eilis and Tony’s relationship, highlighting themes of secrecy and unspoken tensions.
3. “‘Don’t say a word to anyone, or Enzo will find out I came here. He is sleeping in his parents’ house for the moment until he learns manners.’”
This quote illustrates the delicate social dynamics and the need for discretion within their community, reflecting the pressures and complexities of their interpersonal relationships.
4. “She told no one, no one at all. And then, at summer’s end, she had abruptly left, just as Jim was making clear that he wanted to marry her.”
This moment reveals a key turning point in Eilis’s personal history, underscoring themes of secrecy, sacrifice, and the difficult choices shaping her life’s trajectory.
5. “‘He is a devoted husband,’ Lena said. ‘If I get half of that from Enzo, I will be content.’”
This remark offers insight into Tony’s character and the perception of their marriage by others, emphasizing commitment and devotion as central to their relationship’s public image.