1)
In what ways does Brooklyn differ from the
previous texts we have read thus far about the immigrant experience?
2)
What does Georgina represent and how is her
character important? How does she effect change or influence Eilis?
3)
How does Eilis’s environment influence her
decision to go to America?
Brooklyn is different in the past texts that we have read because the narrative begins in the home country of the protagonist essentially creating an initial tension between America and Ireland from the start. Eilis is different from our past narrators in many ways, due to the context and social atmosphere of the the 1950's and her personality. Eilis is a quiet, well behaved character with a bravery that surpasses all of the past narrators. She is willing to endeavor to America alone, with the sole confidence that her family and her sponsor has in her. I think as we read more of the book, the decisions that Eilis will face will exemplify to the reader the confidence that she possess.
ReplyDeleteGeorgina is representative Rose, Eilis's sister, on her journey from Ireland to America. Georgina is crass and poised, a contradictory personality that only she could pull off. She leaves Eilis for first class the first night but comes back and takes care of her, as well as seeking revenge on the girls who locked Eilis out of the bathroom when she was sick. Georgina's last words with Eilis are pieces of advice for getting past the Immigration check once in New York; having once been in the same situation herself, she helps Eilis out. Georgina symbolizes Rose because of her glamour, but also because of the protectiveness over Eilis.
Eilis's environment is the biggest motivator for Eilis to go to America. She has trouble finding a job in the field that she wishes to do (book-keeping) and she is stuck working in a supermarket that does not push her to her greatest potential. Eilis also feels burdened with the need to support her mother, as does her sister, Rose, and when given the opportunity by the Priest to go, she is all the more motivated to go. I also think that Eilis does not see a future for herself in Ireland, romantically; at the dance, she is uninterested in the prospects of finding a guy, unlike her friend Nancy. The routine aspect of her small town life is the catalyst for her decision to leave.
Brooklyn starts off with the main character living in their home country prior to coming to America. In fact, Eilis does not even think about doing this early on. In previous texts, we already start off with the main characters settled in America already. She is given the option to move. Eilis ends up moving by herself, leaving her family behind. This is also something that is new to us. She embarks on this journey scared, and not completely sure why she is doing this. There is a job and a nice house to live in waiting for her. Eilis is doing this for more opportunities, which are actually falling into place for her, which has been uncommon previously.
ReplyDeleteGeorgina represents the way people are in the big world. She is loud and opinionated, yet unexpectedly kind hearted. When reading about Georgina you are unsure what she will do next. However, when it came time for it, she was there for Eilis when you did not expect it. Eilis was not used to this kind of personality because she was from a much smaller place. This gave her a first taste of what life would be when she arrived in America. Georgina is important because this is the first time Eilis is meeting someone without the presence or help from her family. In Enniscorthy, everyone knows everyones business. If EIlis were to meet someone, everyone would know, and would give their opinion/guidance. Now Eilis is going to America where she will be more or less, on her own. This breaks the ice for her, which is especially good because of Georgina's personality.
Enniscorthy, the town where Eilis lived, did not seem like a bad place. She had her friends and family, and seemed like a nice place. However, that was about it. There did not seem to be much opportunity for people to make a living. Eilis had three brothers, who all moved to England to find work. Eilis had been working in the shop for Ms. Kelly, who was an unappreciative snob. Eilis took courses, but there was no place to utilize those skills. She realizes that Rose is planning this to help her succeed, and as she said, lived the life she would've wanted.