Long Island
Part Two:ii
by Tóibín, ColmIn this chapter, Eilis returns home to find herself caught in an unexpected situation after ordering new kitchen appliances without consulting her mother. The arrival of a fridge, washing machine, and cooker surprises the household and neighbors alike. Eilis had hoped to surprise her mother with these modern conveniences, but the unchanged state of the house over twenty years makes the sudden upgrade feel overwhelming. Her mother, accustomed to a simpler lifestyle without such appliances, is bewildered and uncertain about the deliveries, highlighting a generational and perceptual gap between them.
The tension escalates as the delivery men begin moving the old cooker out and preparing to install the new equipment, while Eilis’s mother questions the necessity and origin of the orders. Despite Eilis’s good intentions, her mother expresses frustration at not being consulted and insists she would have handled such decisions herself. The chapter portrays the delicate dynamics of family relationships, respect, and communication, especially when change is introduced abruptly, revealing underlying issues about autonomy and tradition.
Additionally, the chapter includes a conversation between Eilis and her brother-in-law, Frank, who provides her with a substantial sum of money for her trip. Frank’s gesture is rooted in kindness and an understanding of Eilis’s difficult circumstances, offering financial support without expectation of repayment. His story about his grandfather’s experience underscores themes of family support and the significance of returning home, while also emphasizing the complexities of cultural and familial expectations.
Towards the end, Eilis observes her mother’s physical struggles and newfound strength, which contrasts with her earlier gentleness. Her mother’s decision to delay the installation of the appliances reflects her need to process the changes on her own terms. The chapter closes with a quiet moment of reflection among Eilis, her mother, and her brother, encapsulating the challenges of adapting to change within a family while maintaining respect and understanding.
FAQs
1. What was Eilis’s motivation for ordering the new kitchen appliances, and how did her mother react upon discovering them?
Answer:
Eilis ordered the fridge, washing machine, and cooker as a surprise for her mother, motivated by excitement about being home and a desire to do something special for her. However, she did not consult her mother beforehand, which led to tension. Her mother was taken aback and upset, questioning the sudden arrival and expressing that she had not ordered these items herself. She emphasized that if she had wanted such appliances, she would have arranged them personally, indicating a sense of autonomy and perhaps frustration at Eilis’s unilateral decision. This reaction highlights the generational and communicative gap between them, as well as the mother’s practical and cautious approach to household changes.2. How does the chapter illustrate the contrast between Eilis’s perceptions and the reality of her family home?
Answer:
The chapter contrasts Eilis’s idealized vision of returning home and making improvements with the unchanged and modest reality of her mother’s household. Eilis notices the same wallpaper, curtains, worn rugs, and old-fashioned kitchen setup with no fridge and an outdated cooker relying on bottled gas. Her mother still washes clothes by hand using a washboard, reflecting a lifestyle that has not progressed materially despite the passage of time. This discrepancy underscores Eilis’s initial excitement and desire to modernize, clashing with the practical and frugal reality her mother maintains, revealing deeper themes of change, tradition, and differing values within the family.3. Analyze the significance of Frank’s gesture of giving Eilis two thousand dollars. What does this reveal about their relationship and the broader context?
Answer:
Frank’s gift of two thousand dollars symbolizes support and goodwill extended to Eilis during a challenging time. Although no one formally tasked him with keeping Eilis informed, he takes it upon himself to provide financial assistance “with no strings attached,” suggesting genuine care and solidarity. The anecdote about his grandfather’s experience in Italy adds cultural depth, illustrating the expectations and social dynamics tied to money and family honor. Frank’s gesture reveals a compassionate relationship and highlights the economic difficulties Eilis faces, reinforcing themes of family obligation, generosity, and the complexities of navigating transnational ties and financial support within immigrant communities.4. What does the interaction between Eilis, her mother, and the delivery men reveal about communication and decision-making within the family?
Answer:
The interaction exposes a breakdown in communication and differing expectations about decision-making. Eilis’s unilateral ordering of expensive appliances without consulting her mother leads to confusion and discomfort, as her mother was unaware and not prepared for such changes. The mother’s insistence on thinking about what to do with the appliances and her question about returning them suggest a desire to maintain control and avoid disruption. Martin’s presence and laughter add a layer of family dynamics, possibly indicating a more relaxed or less serious attitude. Overall, the scene highlights the importance of dialogue and mutual respect in family decisions, especially concerning significant financial and lifestyle changes.5. If you were advising Eilis on how to approach helping her mother with household improvements, what strategies would you suggest based on the chapter’s events?
Answer:
I would advise Eilis to prioritize open communication and collaboration with her mother before making any decisions involving household changes. Discussing needs, preferences, and financial constraints together would prevent misunderstandings and respect her mother’s autonomy. Eilis could also suggest gradually introducing new appliances, perhaps starting with one item, to allow adjustment over time. Including Martin and other family members in the conversation might foster a supportive atmosphere. Additionally, understanding her mother’s attachment to existing routines and the practical realities of their lifestyle can help Eilis approach improvements sensitively, balancing her desire to modernize with respect for tradition and her mother’s wishes.
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 highlights the theme of stagnation and the passage of time, emphasizing the deep contrast between Eilis’s expectations and the reality of her mother’s unchanged living conditions after two decades. It sets the emotional tone for the chapter and underscores the underlying tension 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.’”
This statement from Eilis’s mother reveals her pride, independence, and possible resistance to change or help, illustrating the generational and emotional divide between mother and daughter. It is a key turning point that exposes the complexities of their relationship.
3. “‘No one asked me to inform you of anything. But there is something else.’ … He handed her a thick envelope filled with twenty-dollar bills. ‘For you. For your trip.’”
This moment introduces a gesture of unexpected support and kindness, symbolizing the complex network of family and community ties. It also contrasts with the earlier conflict by offering a glimpse of generosity without expectation, broadening the chapter’s emotional scope.
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.”
This reflection captures the nuanced transformation of Eilis’s mother, blending vulnerability with newfound resilience. It deepens the reader’s understanding of her character and adds emotional weight to the unfolding family dynamics.
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 quote encapsulates the mother’s hesitation and ambivalence toward the changes imposed by Eilis, symbolizing the broader theme of control, acceptance, and the pace of change within family life. It poignantly closes the delivery episode, reinforcing the tension between intention and reception.