Long Island
Part Two:ii
by Tóibín, ColmThe chapter opens with Eilis at home, eagerly awaiting deliveries she ordered as a surprise for her mother. When the delivery men arrive with a fridge, washing machine, and cooker, the neighbors watch curiously. However, it quickly becomes apparent that Eilis did not consult her mother beforehand. The house remains unchanged after twenty years, lacking modern appliances, which motivated Eilis’s gesture. Her mother, however, is taken aback and confused by the unexpected arrival of these large items, questioning their purpose and expressing concern over the disruption and lack of communication.
Eilis explains her intentions to surprise her mother with these much-needed appliances, believing it would improve their daily life. Her mother, however, feels undermined and unprepared for such changes, emphasizing that she never asked for these items and was not waiting for Eilis to “put everything right.” Despite everything being paid for and delivered, her mother is unsure about accepting the appliances and contemplates returning them, highlighting the tension between Eilis’s enthusiasm and her mother’s cautious practicality.
The narrative then shifts to a meeting between Eilis and Frank, her brother-in-law, who offers her financial support for her trip back home. Frank shares a story about his grandfather’s return to Italy and uses it to explain the significance of having money on hand. He gives Eilis two thousand dollars with no strings attached, encouraging her to use it for practical or personal needs during her stay. This gesture contrasts with the earlier conflict, showing a different form of support and care within the family.
The chapter concludes with Eilis observing her mother’s physical pain and growing strength in handling the situation. Her mother decides to leave the appliances in the hallway temporarily, uncertain about their placement or use, and tells the delivery men to inform the plumber that his services might not be needed. The family sits together, reflecting on the unexpected events, while the unresolved question lingers about who will bear the cost or responsibility for the new appliances, underscoring the complexities of family dynamics and change.
FAQs
1. What mistake did Eilis make regarding the kitchen deliveries, and how did it affect her relationship with her mother?
Answer:
Eilis ordered a fridge, washing machine, and cooker as a surprise for her mother without consulting her first. This mistake caused tension between them because her mother had not requested these appliances and felt undermined by Eilis’s unilateral decision. The mother expressed frustration that she was not waiting for Eilis to “put everything right,” implying a desire for independence and control over her household decisions. The chapter highlights the clash between Eilis’s good intentions and her mother’s perspective, illustrating the complexity of family dynamics and the importance of communication.2. How does the chapter illustrate the contrast between past and present living conditions in Eilis’s family home?
Answer:
The chapter emphasizes that little has changed in the house over twenty years: the same wallpaper, curtains, lino, rugs, and old appliances remain. Notably, there was no fridge or washing machine before, and clothes were still washed by hand using a washboard. This contrast underscores the financial or lifestyle limitations experienced by Eilis’s family and creates a backdrop to Eilis’s desire to improve her mother’s living conditions. It also reflects a tension between tradition and modernization, as well as the emotional weight of returning home to a place seemingly frozen in time.3. Analyze Frank’s gesture of giving Eilis two thousand dollars. What does this reveal about his character and his relationship with Eilis?
Answer:
Frank’s gift of two thousand dollars to Eilis, described as “no strings attached” and “not a loan,” reveals his generosity and desire to support her without obligation. His story about his grandfather’s experience adds a cultural and emotional layer, suggesting that financial support often carries expectations or assumptions, but he wants to avoid that. This gesture indicates Frank’s kindness and possibly a protective attitude toward Eilis during a difficult period. It also shows a complex family network where support is extended informally, highlighting themes of trust, gratitude, and familial bonds.4. What does Eilis’s mother’s reaction to the deliveries and her interactions with the delivery men suggest about her personality and values?
Answer:
Eilis’s mother reacts with cautious skepticism and a reserved strength. She questions the delivery men about payment and the plumber, indicating a practical and no-nonsense approach. Her hesitation to accept the new appliances immediately, wanting to “think about it,” shows her careful decision-making and resistance to sudden change. The chapter notes a shift in her demeanor, showing a newfound determination and strength despite physical pain, contrasting with an earlier gentler self. This suggests she values autonomy, prudence, and perhaps a measured approach to change, reflecting her life experience and resilience.5. How might Eilis’s experience with the surprise deliveries serve as a broader metaphor for challenges in family communication and expectations?
Answer:
The surprise deliveries metaphorically represent the difficulties that arise when intentions and expectations are not aligned within a family. Eilis’s desire to help and surprise her mother without prior discussion results in misunderstanding and tension, highlighting how good intentions can be misinterpreted or unwelcome if communication is lacking. This situation reflects broader themes of respect, autonomy, and the need for dialogue in family relationships. It also illustrates that change, even when positive, must be negotiated rather than imposed, reinforcing the importance of empathy and mutual understanding in maintaining family harmony.
Quotes
1. “She could not believe that nothing at all had changed in the house since she had left more than twenty years earlier – the same wallpaper, the same curtains and lino and worn rugs, the same blankets and eiderdowns on the beds, and still no fridge in the kitchen and an old cooker that depended on bottled gas, and no washing machine.”
This quote poignantly captures Eilis’s shock and the stagnation she perceives in her mother’s home, symbolizing the passage of time and lack of modernization. It sets the emotional tone for the chapter, highlighting themes of change, expectation, and the gap between past and present.
2. “‘If I had wanted them, I would have ordered them myself. I was not sitting here waiting for you to come home and put everything right. And I was lucky, because I would have waited a long time.’”
Here, Eilis’s mother asserts her independence and resistance to unsolicited help, underscoring the tension between their perspectives on change and control. This moment crystallizes the conflict around autonomy within family dynamics and the meaning of care.
3. “‘No one asked me to inform you of anything. But there is something else.’ … ‘For you. For your trip.’ … ‘Two thousand.’ … ‘It’s a hard time for you. This is just to help you out.’”
This exchange reveals a gesture of unexpected generosity and support from Frank, highlighting themes of family solidarity and kindness amid difficulty. It adds depth to the interpersonal relationships and provides a counterpoint to the earlier tension.
4. “While her mother moved slowly and seemed to be in pain some of the time… she had developed a strength and determination when she spoke that had not been there before. She used to be gentler and easier.”
This reflection on her mother’s changed demeanor conveys a subtle but powerful insight into resilience and the complexities of aging. It enriches the character development and emphasizes the evolving nature of personal strength.
5. “‘Well, I’m not sure where I want it or what I want to do with it, so if you just leave it in the hallway for the moment and let me think about it. And maybe you can tell the plumber that he won’t be needed?’”
This concluding quote encapsulates the mother’s cautious approach to change and her need for time to process decisions, reinforcing the chapter’s themes of transition, autonomy, and the negotiation of new realities within familiar spaces.