Long Island
Part Three:ii
by Tóibín, ColmIn this chapter, Eilis prepares to leave her mother’s house, navigating the tension that arises from her mother’s discomfort with Eilis’s dreams of America. Their conversation reveals the mother’s preoccupation with social perceptions and her disdain for American culture, which contrasts with Eilis’s quiet determination to distance herself. Eilis’s decision to escape this environment is solidified by her mother’s insistence on shutting down any discussion about America, prompting Eilis to plan a brief stay at Martin’s house by the sea, offering a plausible excuse to others about her absence.
Upon arriving at Martin’s house in Cush, Eilis discovers the property is neglected and unsuitable for a comfortable stay. Realizing that neither her mother nor Martin would know if she chose not to stay there, she decides instead to book a hotel in nearby Wexford. In the town, she shops for essential furnishings and household items, negotiating with a local furniture shop owner who recognizes her from Enniscorthy. Eilis’s urgency and insistence on immediate delivery underscore her desire for independence and control over her situation.
Once the new bed is set up and the old furniture removed, Eilis begins to settle into the house, appreciating the peaceful coastal surroundings. The quiet and natural beauty contrast with her previous life, and she reflects on the novelty of sleeping alone for the first time since her marriage to Tony. This solitude offers her a moment of personal freedom and a chance to contemplate her relationships, particularly the distant memories of Tony’s family and her hopes for her own family’s upcoming visit.
Eilis’s reflections deepen as she considers the dynamics within Tony’s family, especially the playful teasing involving her name by Tony’s son Larry. These memories highlight the complex intersections of family, identity, and belonging that permeate her life. The chapter closes with a brief mention of Tony’s father’s visit to the garage, hinting at unresolved tensions and connections that continue to influence Eilis even as she seeks a new path.
FAQs
1. How does Eilis’s relationship with her mother and Martin influence her decision to leave and stay alone in the house in Cush?
Answer:
Eilis’s relationship with her mother and Martin is strained and marked by tension, which strongly influences her decision to leave. Her mother expresses concern about social perceptions and disapproval of Eilis’s interest in America, dismissing it and showing irritation. Martin’s presence adds to Eilis’s feeling of confinement. Eilis senses that her mother prioritizes appearances and worries about gossip, which conflicts with Eilis’s desire for independence. This culminates in Eilis deciding to escape their scrutiny by staying alone in the house in Cush, where she can have privacy and space to think. The chapter shows that Eilis values autonomy and is willing to assert it even if it means deceiving her mother and Martin.2. What does the description of the house in Cush reveal about Eilis’s expectations versus reality, and how does this affect her plans?
Answer:
The house in Cush is described as neglected and uncomfortable: it has a stained mattress, old bedclothes, and is exposed to harsh sea winds due to its proximity to the cliff. This contrasts with Eilis’s initial hope that it would be a suitable retreat. The reality prompts her to consider alternative arrangements, such as staying in a hotel in Wexford, reflecting her practical and adaptable nature. Despite the house’s shortcomings, she proceeds with furnishing it quickly, showing determination to create a comfortable space. The contrast between expectation and reality highlights Eilis’s resilience and her desire for a private refuge, even if imperfect.3. How does the interaction between Eilis and the furniture shop owner contribute to the theme of community and belonging in the chapter?
Answer:
Eilis’s conversation with the furniture shop owner reveals a subtle but meaningful connection based on shared locality—Enniscorthy. The owner’s familiarity with her sister and the lighthearted comment about the people from Enniscorthy wanting things “today” create a brief sense of community and recognition. This interaction contrasts with Eilis’s feelings of isolation and her attempt to avoid an American accent, indicating her struggle between two worlds. The scene underscores the importance of local ties and the comfort they can offer, even as Eilis navigates her complex identity between Ireland and America. It also reflects how small social networks and shared backgrounds can foster a sense of belonging.4. In what ways does the chapter explore the theme of independence through Eilis’s actions and reflections?
Answer:
The chapter explores independence primarily through Eilis’s decision to spend time alone in the house, away from her mother and Martin. This is her first experience of sleeping alone, a long-held desire that symbolizes personal freedom and self-reliance. Her careful planning—buying furniture, bedding, and provisions—demonstrates her taking control of her circumstances. Eilis’s reflections on her past life, including her marriage to Tony and the closeness of his family, highlight how she has been socially and emotionally tethered to others. The act of creating a solitary space represents a crucial step in her growth and assertion of independence, both physically and psychologically.5. How does the chapter use setting and sensory details to enhance the mood and themes of solitude and transition?
Answer:
The setting of Cush, with its windswept cliffside house and the sounds of waves and birdsong, creates a vivid backdrop that emphasizes solitude and introspection. The “creamy light of the afternoon” and the peaceful silence punctuated only by natural sounds evoke tranquility but also a sense of isolation. These sensory details mirror Eilis’s internal state—her calm yet tentative embrace of being alone. The precariousness of the house’s location near the cliff symbolizes the transitional phase in her life, balancing between old ties and new independence. This atmospheric description enriches the mood, making her solitude feel both refreshing and fragile, reinforcing the chapter’s exploration of change and self-discovery.
Quotes
1. “‘I care what people think about me.’”
This quote captures the underlying social anxiety and concern with reputation that motivates the mother’s questions and judgments. It sets the tone for the familial tensions and Eilis’s desire to escape these expectations, which is a key driver of the chapter’s narrative.
2. “‘It’s day and night. Every time I turn on the television, I hear Americans laughing at something that’s not even funny. And there was all that Nixon stuff I hated. And now I have you telling me how great America is and how big everything is there –’”
This passage reveals the mother’s conflicted feelings about America, mixing cultural irritation with political disdain, highlighting the emotional and ideological distance between Eilis and her family. It underscores the cultural tensions that frame Eilis’s internal conflict about her identity and future.
3. “It struck her that Martin and her mother would never know if she did not, in fact, stay here. She would, she decided, drive to Wexford and book into one of the hotels and return to her mother’s house in a day or two.”
This moment marks a turning point where Eilis asserts her independence and plans a quiet escape, symbolizing her desire for autonomy and control over her own life. It is a pivotal decision that reflects her inner conflict and need for personal space.
4. “‘Every single person from Enniscorthy wants everything today. It must be something in the water up there.’”
This lighter, humorous quote illustrates local character and the immediacy with which Eilis wants to arrange her new living situation. It also reflects the practical steps she takes toward establishing a life separate from her family’s scrutiny.
5. “Tonight would be the first time she would ever sleep in a house alone, when there would be no one in the bed with her or in the next room. In all her years with Tony, it was something she had often dreamed about… slipping away, getting a train or even driving to some town and finding an anonymous hotel to spend two nights away from everyone.”
This reflective passage eloquently conveys Eilis’s longing for solitude and anonymity, highlighting the emotional weight of her personal journey. It encapsulates her desire for freedom and the quiet strength behind her actions in the chapter.
Quotes
1. “‘I care what people think about me.’”
This quote captures the underlying social anxiety and concern with reputation that motivates the mother’s questions and judgments. It sets the tone for the familial tensions and Eilis’s desire to escape these expectations, which is a key driver of the chapter’s narrative.
2. “‘It’s day and night. Every time I turn on the television, I hear Americans laughing at something that’s not even funny. And there was all that Nixon stuff I hated. And now I have you telling me how great America is and how big everything is there –’”
This passage reveals the mother’s conflicted feelings about America, mixing cultural irritation with political disdain, highlighting the emotional and ideological distance between Eilis and her family. It underscores the cultural tensions that frame Eilis’s internal conflict about her identity and future.
3. “It struck her that Martin and her mother would never know if she did not, in fact, stay here. She would, she decided, drive to Wexford and book into one of the hotels and return to her mother’s house in a day or two.”
This moment marks a turning point where Eilis asserts her independence and plans a quiet escape, symbolizing her desire for autonomy and control over her own life. It is a pivotal decision that reflects her inner conflict and need for personal space.
4. “‘Every single person from Enniscorthy wants everything today. It must be something in the water up there.’”
This lighter, humorous quote illustrates local character and the immediacy with which Eilis wants to arrange her new living situation. It also reflects the practical steps she takes toward establishing a life separate from her family’s scrutiny.
5. “Tonight would be the first time she would ever sleep in a house alone, when there would be no one in the bed with her or in the next room. In all her years with Tony, it was something she had often dreamed about… slipping away, getting a train or even driving to some town and finding an anonymous hotel to spend two nights away from everyone.”
This reflective passage eloquently conveys Eilis’s longing for solitude and anonymity, highlighting the emotional weight of her personal journey. It encapsulates her desire for freedom and the quiet strength behind her actions in the chapter.
— Unknown
FAQs
1. How does Eilis’s relationship with her mother and Martin influence her decision to leave and stay alone in the house in Cush?
Answer:
Eilis’s relationship with her mother and Martin is strained and marked by tension, which strongly influences her decision to leave. Her mother expresses concern about social perceptions and disapproval of Eilis’s interest in America, dismissing it and showing irritation. Martin’s presence adds to Eilis’s feeling of confinement. Eilis senses that her mother prioritizes appearances and worries about gossip, which conflicts with Eilis’s desire for independence. This culminates in Eilis deciding to escape their scrutiny by staying alone in the house in Cush, where she can have privacy and space to think. The chapter shows that Eilis values autonomy and is willing to assert it even if it means deceiving her mother and Martin.
2. What does the description of the house in Cush reveal about Eilis’s expectations versus reality, and how does this affect her plans?
Answer:
The house in Cush is described as neglected and uncomfortable: it has a stained mattress, old bedclothes, and is exposed to harsh sea winds due to its proximity to the cliff. This contrasts with Eilis’s initial hope that it would be a suitable retreat. The reality prompts her to consider alternative arrangements, such as staying in a hotel in Wexford, reflecting her practical and adaptable nature. Despite the house’s shortcomings, she proceeds with furnishing it quickly, showing determination to create a comfortable space. The contrast between expectation and reality highlights Eilis’s resilience and her desire for a private refuge, even if imperfect.
3. How does the interaction between Eilis and the furniture shop owner contribute to the theme of community and belonging in the chapter?
Answer:
Eilis’s conversation with the furniture shop owner reveals a subtle but meaningful connection based on shared locality—Enniscorthy. The owner’s familiarity with her sister and the lighthearted comment about the people from Enniscorthy wanting things “today” create a brief sense of community and recognition. This interaction contrasts with Eilis’s feelings of isolation and her attempt to avoid an American accent, indicating her struggle between two worlds. The scene underscores the importance of local ties and the comfort they can offer, even as Eilis navigates her complex identity between Ireland and America. It also reflects how small social networks and shared backgrounds can foster a sense of belonging.
4. In what ways does the chapter explore the theme of independence through Eilis’s actions and reflections?
Answer:
The chapter explores independence primarily through Eilis’s decision to spend time alone in the house, away from her mother and Martin. This is her first experience of sleeping alone, a long-held desire that symbolizes personal freedom and self-reliance. Her careful planning—buying furniture, bedding, and provisions—demonstrates her taking control of her circumstances. Eilis’s reflections on her past life, including her marriage to Tony and the closeness of his family, highlight how she has been socially and emotionally tethered to others. The act of creating a solitary space represents a crucial step in her growth and assertion of independence, both physically and psychologically.
5. How does the chapter use setting and sensory details to enhance the mood and themes of solitude and transition?
Answer:
The setting of Cush, with its windswept cliffside house and the sounds of waves and birdsong, creates a vivid backdrop that emphasizes solitude and introspection. The “creamy light of the afternoon” and the peaceful silence punctuated only by natural sounds evoke tranquility but also a sense of isolation. These sensory details mirror Eilis’s internal state—her calm yet tentative embrace of being alone. The precariousness of the house’s location near the cliff symbolizes the transitional phase in her life, balancing between old ties and new independence. This atmospheric description enriches the mood, making her solitude feel both refreshing and fragile, reinforcing the chapter’s exploration of change and self-discovery.
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