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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 Six:ii

    by Tóibín, Colm

    The chap­ter opens with Mrs. Lacey set­ting a clear expec­ta­tion for the fam­i­ly gath­er­ing: every­one must be pre­pared for the twelve o’clock mass the fol­low­ing day, and they will depart togeth­er at twen­ty-five min­utes past eleven. Jack offers to dri­ve her, but she con­fi­dent­ly declines, rely­ing instead on her grand­sons for sup­port. The scene reveals the pres­ence of fam­i­ly mem­bers who have trav­eled from Eng­land and Amer­i­ca, high­light­ing dif­fer­ences in appear­ance and demeanor between the broth­ers Jack and Pat. Jack is pol­ished and suc­cess­ful, while Pat appears worn and less con­fi­dent, reflect­ing their con­trast­ing life expe­ri­ences and social stand­ings.

    Eilis observes the dynam­ics among the fam­i­ly, not­ing the ten­sion and sub­tle divi­sions. Jack has pros­pered by rec­og­niz­ing the impor­tance of reli­able union labor, which has dis­tin­guished him pro­fes­sion­al­ly. Mar­tin, Eilis’s broth­er, pro­vides insight into Jack’s busi­ness acu­men, empha­siz­ing his abil­i­ty to deliv­er on promis­es despite high­er costs. Mean­while, Pat and his fam­i­ly live a more mod­est exis­tence, with Pat work­ing in a ware­house and main­tain­ing a qui­eter pres­ence. The younger gen­er­a­tion, includ­ing Lar­ry, feels some­what alien­at­ed from their Eng­lish cousins, who are unfa­mil­iar with tra­di­tion­al Irish cul­ture, par­tic­u­lar­ly sports like hurl­ing.

    The evening’s social inter­ac­tions reveal under­ly­ing fam­i­ly com­plex­i­ties. Jack and Pat’s reluc­tance to engage with old acquain­tances and their avoid­ance of pub­lic atten­tion sug­gest dis­com­fort with their past or present iden­ti­ties. Mrs. Lacey express­es relief that their wives did not accom­pa­ny them, fear­ing pro­longed and tedious con­ver­sa­tions. The fam­i­ly rem­i­nisces about tra­di­tion­al social cus­toms, con­trast­ing them with cur­rent behav­iors, as Eilis reflects on how dances and meet­ings have evolved, espe­cial­ly in Amer­i­ca. This under­scores the cul­tur­al shifts expe­ri­enced by the fam­i­ly across gen­er­a­tions and geo­gra­phies.

    The next morn­ing, the fam­i­ly gath­ers for the mass, main­tain­ing a dig­ni­fied and order­ly pro­ces­sion under Mrs. Lacey’s watch­ful eye. The men are sub­dued, like­ly affect­ed by the pre­vi­ous night’s events. Eilis con­tem­plates her uncer­tain future, par­tic­u­lar­ly regard­ing Jim Farrell’s poten­tial arrival from Amer­i­ca and her own impend­ing return. She wres­tles with prac­ti­cal and emo­tion­al ques­tions about where she and her chil­dren will live and how her rela­tion­ship with Tony might resume. The chap­ter clos­es on this note of ambi­gu­i­ty and antic­i­pa­tion, high­light­ing Eilis’s inter­nal con­flict and the unre­solved ten­sions with­in the fam­i­ly.

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    FAQs

    • 1. How does the chapter depict the differences between Jack and Pat, and what do these differences suggest about their characters and social status?

      Answer:
      The chapter contrasts Jack and Pat through their appearance, demeanor, and life circumstances. Jack is described as wearing an expensive suit, perfectly shaved with neat silver hair, smiling confidently around the table. In contrast, Pat needs a haircut and shave, smiles nervously, and his shoe laces are torn and frayed. Jack has accumulated wealth by recognizing the value of reliable union labor and delivering projects on time, indicating business acumen and a higher social status. Pat works in a warehouse and has five children, suggesting a more modest, working-class life. These differences highlight the diverging paths of two brothers—Jack’s success and polish contrast with Pat’s more humble, possibly struggling existence—underscoring themes of class, opportunity, and family dynamics.

      2. What role does Mrs Lacey play in managing the family gathering, and how does her attitude reflect the family’s cultural and generational values?

      Answer:
      Mrs Lacey acts as the matriarch who sets the rules and tone for the family gathering. She is firm about practical matters, such as ensuring everyone is ready for the twelve o’clock mass and organizing the departure time. Her comments about the wives not coming and her preference for certain family members reflect traditional values and a desire to maintain order and decorum. Mrs Lacey’s discomfort with Eileen’s adopted English accent and the idea of meeting strangers at dances reveals a generational and cultural adherence to more conservative social norms, emphasizing familiarity and community cohesion. Her role symbolizes the bridge between tradition and the evolving social landscape experienced by younger family members.

      3. Analyze the significance of the family’s attendance at the cathedral mass in the context of the chapter. What does this event reveal about their relationships and cultural identity?

      Answer:
      The family’s attendance at the cathedral mass serves as a ritualistic and symbolic act, reinforcing their shared cultural and religious identity. Mrs Lacey’s strict instructions against straggling and smoking, and her arrangement for family members to walk in a particular order, emphasize respect, unity, and the importance of presenting a dignified front. The mass also acts as a moment of reflection and subtle tension—Eilis wonders about the presence of Jim Farrell and the possibility of encountering him, suggesting unresolved personal and social conflicts. The mass, therefore, is more than religious observance; it highlights the intersection of family loyalty, social expectations, and individual anxieties within the Irish community.

      4. Discuss Eilis’s internal conflict regarding her promise to phone Jim Farrell and the uncertainties she faces about her future. How does the chapter portray her dilemma?

      Answer:
      Eilis’s hesitation to phone Jim Farrell reflects her deep internal conflict and uncertainty about her future. She is caught between several difficult questions: If Jim comes to America, when would that happen? Upon her return, where would she live and how would she manage relationships, especially with Tony? The chapter portrays her dilemma by revealing her worries about logistics, emotional entanglements, and the complexities of restarting her life. She contemplates practical options, such as finding lodgings with the money Frank gave her, but remains unsure about how to move forward. This portrayal captures the tension between hope, obligation, and fear of change, illustrating Eilis’s vulnerability and the complexity of navigating personal identity and family expectations.

      5. How does Larry’s interaction with his English cousins reflect broader themes of cultural identity and belonging in the chapter?

      Answer:
      Larry’s frustration with his English cousins, who talk only about English football and show no interest in Irish traditions like hurling, highlights themes of cultural identity and belonging. Larry’s perception that they are “not really Irish” suggests a tension between diaspora identities and the preservation of cultural heritage. His inability to connect with them and his comedic imitation of their accents underscore feelings of alienation and cultural difference within the same family. This interaction sheds light on the complexities of identity for Irish emigrants and their descendants, emphasizing how cultural practices and loyalties can both unite and divide family members across generations and geographies.

    Quotes

    • 1. “‘I don’t mind where anyone goes tonight or what anyone does,’ Mrs Lacey said, ‘as long as everyone is ready by twelve o’clock mass tomorrow. We will leave here in a body at twenty-five minutes past eleven.’”

      This quote sets the tone for the family gathering, highlighting Mrs Lacey’s role as the matriarch who values unity and punctuality, reflecting the importance of tradition and collective responsibility in the chapter.

      2. “‘He saw something that no one else saw,’ Martin said. ‘He saw the value of reliable union labour. If you wanted a stretch of motorway built by a certain time, Jack was one of the people you went to. It cost more, but he could deliver by the date agreed. He had the union bosses on his side. Some people said it was an Irish thing but it wasn’t really.’”

      This passage reveals a key insight into Jack’s success, emphasizing foresight and the strategic use of union labor. It also touches on cultural identity and challenges stereotypes, contributing to the chapter’s exploration of family dynamics and individual achievement.

      3. “‘I hate all that “Are you home for long?” business,’ Jack said. ‘And I don’t want to meet any old timers.’”

      Jack’s reluctance to engage with his past and local acquaintances underscores themes of estrangement and the complexities of returning home after time abroad, which is central to the chapter’s mood and character interactions.

      4. “‘Because they’d leave them here while they went to the pub and we’d have to talk to them for the whole evening. I don’t mind Betty so much, she’s English, but it’s Eileen who adds years to me. She has put on an English accent, if you don’t mind, and she’s from the west of Ireland. Jack met her at a dance.’”

      Mrs Lacey’s commentary here highlights generational and cultural tensions, particularly regarding identity and assimilation, illustrating how accents and social behaviors symbolize deeper divides within the family.

      5. “Eilis knew she should phone Jim as she had promised to do, but there were too many questions she could not answer. If Jim were really to come to America, when would he come? And when she herself went back, as she would do soon, where would she live? If she arrived at the airport with the children, what would she say to Tony? If she arrived a few days later, where would she go?”

      This introspective moment captures Eilis’s inner conflict and uncertainty about her future, reflecting the chapter’s underlying themes of displacement, responsibility, and the challenges of navigating personal relationships amid change.

    Quotes

    1. “‘I don’t mind where anyone goes tonight or what anyone does,’ Mrs Lacey said, ‘as long as everyone is ready by twelve o’clock mass tomorrow. We will leave here in a body at twenty-five minutes past eleven.’”

    This quote sets the tone for the family gathering, highlighting Mrs Lacey’s role as the matriarch who values unity and punctuality, reflecting the importance of tradition and collective responsibility in the chapter.

    2. “‘He saw something that no one else saw,’ Martin said. ‘He saw the value of reliable union labour. If you wanted a stretch of motorway built by a certain time, Jack was one of the people you went to. It cost more, but he could deliver by the date agreed. He had the union bosses on his side. Some people said it was an Irish thing but it wasn’t really.’”

    This passage reveals a key insight into Jack’s success, emphasizing foresight and the strategic use of union labor. It also touches on cultural identity and challenges stereotypes, contributing to the chapter’s exploration of family dynamics and individual achievement.

    3. “‘I hate all that “Are you home for long?” business,’ Jack said. ‘And I don’t want to meet any old timers.’”

    Jack’s reluctance to engage with his past and local acquaintances underscores themes of estrangement and the complexities of returning home after time abroad, which is central to the chapter’s mood and character interactions.

    4. “‘Because they’d leave them here while they went to the pub and we’d have to talk to them for the whole evening. I don’t mind Betty so much, she’s English, but it’s Eileen who adds years to me. She has put on an English accent, if you don’t mind, and she’s from the west of Ireland. Jack met her at a dance.’”

    Mrs Lacey’s commentary here highlights generational and cultural tensions, particularly regarding identity and assimilation, illustrating how accents and social behaviors symbolize deeper divides within the family.

    5. “Eilis knew she should phone Jim as she had promised to do, but there were too many questions she could not answer. If Jim were really to come to America, when would he come? And when she herself went back, as she would do soon, where would she live? If she arrived at the airport with the children, what would she say to Tony? If she arrived a few days later, where would she go?”

    This introspective moment captures Eilis’s inner conflict and uncertainty about her future, reflecting the chapter’s underlying themes of displacement, responsibility, and the challenges of navigating personal relationships amid change.

    FAQs

    1. How does the chapter depict the differences between Jack and Pat, and what do these differences suggest about their characters and social status?

    Answer:
    The chapter contrasts Jack and Pat through their appearance, demeanor, and life circumstances. Jack is described as wearing an expensive suit, perfectly shaved with neat silver hair, smiling confidently around the table. In contrast, Pat needs a haircut and shave, smiles nervously, and his shoe laces are torn and frayed. Jack has accumulated wealth by recognizing the value of reliable union labor and delivering projects on time, indicating business acumen and a higher social status. Pat works in a warehouse and has five children, suggesting a more modest, working-class life. These differences highlight the diverging paths of two brothers—Jack’s success and polish contrast with Pat’s more humble, possibly struggling existence—underscoring themes of class, opportunity, and family dynamics.

    2. What role does Mrs Lacey play in managing the family gathering, and how does her attitude reflect the family’s cultural and generational values?

    Answer:
    Mrs Lacey acts as the matriarch who sets the rules and tone for the family gathering. She is firm about practical matters, such as ensuring everyone is ready for the twelve o’clock mass and organizing the departure time. Her comments about the wives not coming and her preference for certain family members reflect traditional values and a desire to maintain order and decorum. Mrs Lacey’s discomfort with Eileen’s adopted English accent and the idea of meeting strangers at dances reveals a generational and cultural adherence to more conservative social norms, emphasizing familiarity and community cohesion. Her role symbolizes the bridge between tradition and the evolving social landscape experienced by younger family members.

    3. Analyze the significance of the family’s attendance at the cathedral mass in the context of the chapter. What does this event reveal about their relationships and cultural identity?

    Answer:
    The family’s attendance at the cathedral mass serves as a ritualistic and symbolic act, reinforcing their shared cultural and religious identity. Mrs Lacey’s strict instructions against straggling and smoking, and her arrangement for family members to walk in a particular order, emphasize respect, unity, and the importance of presenting a dignified front. The mass also acts as a moment of reflection and subtle tension—Eilis wonders about the presence of Jim Farrell and the possibility of encountering him, suggesting unresolved personal and social conflicts. The mass, therefore, is more than religious observance; it highlights the intersection of family loyalty, social expectations, and individual anxieties within the Irish community.

    4. Discuss Eilis’s internal conflict regarding her promise to phone Jim Farrell and the uncertainties she faces about her future. How does the chapter portray her dilemma?

    Answer:
    Eilis’s hesitation to phone Jim Farrell reflects her deep internal conflict and uncertainty about her future. She is caught between several difficult questions: If Jim comes to America, when would that happen? Upon her return, where would she live and how would she manage relationships, especially with Tony? The chapter portrays her dilemma by revealing her worries about logistics, emotional entanglements, and the complexities of restarting her life. She contemplates practical options, such as finding lodgings with the money Frank gave her, but remains unsure about how to move forward. This portrayal captures the tension between hope, obligation, and fear of change, illustrating Eilis’s vulnerability and the complexity of navigating personal identity and family expectations.

    5. How does Larry’s interaction with his English cousins reflect broader themes of cultural identity and belonging in the chapter?

    Answer:
    Larry’s frustration with his English cousins, who talk only about English football and show no interest in Irish traditions like hurling, highlights themes of cultural identity and belonging. Larry’s perception that they are “not really Irish” suggests a tension between diaspora identities and the preservation of cultural heritage. His inability to connect with them and his comedic imitation of their accents underscore feelings of alienation and cultural difference within the same family. This interaction sheds light on the complexities of identity for Irish emigrants and their descendants, emphasizing how cultural practices and loyalties can both unite and divide family members across generations and geographies.

    Note