Questions and Answers
What does Miss Kelly say about the shop?
Why did Eilis realize she could not turn down the offer?
It would be better than nothing and at the moment she had nothing.
How did Eilis feel about her job behind the counter of a grocery shop?
She wondered if Rose would think it was not good enough for her.
There was work available for everyone in Enniscorthy.
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What did Father Flood say about work opportunities in the United States?
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Match the following quotes to the correct context:
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How did Eilis feel when she thought about her world coming to an end?
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Eilis's going meant that Rose could now marry.
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What did Eilis promise herself regarding her feelings?
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What did Georgina imply to Eilis?
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What did Eilis feel about being in the streets alone?
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What did Eilis think about her marriage to Tony?
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What did Eilis's mother insist about saying goodbye?
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Jim had a history of doing unusual things.
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Study Notes
Key Quotes from "Brooklyn" by Colm Toibin: Part One
- Miss Kelly highlights the interconnectedness of the town, stating everyone visits the shop and news travels quickly.
- Eilis feels compelled to accept a job offer that is better than her current situation, marking a significant decision point.
- There are familial pressures surrounding the perceived social standing of Eilis's job; she fears judgement from her sister Rose.
- Eilis recognizes the lack of job opportunities in Enniscorthy, emphasizing economic despair.
- Father Flood assures Eilis of abundant job opportunities and good pay in the United States, hinting at expected life changes.
- Father Flood notes that parts of Brooklyn resemble Ireland, inhabited by many Irish immigrants.
- A sense of nostalgia and detachment begins to surface for Eilis, as she starts to mentally prepare for her departure.
- The arrangement for Eilis to go to America feels largely predetermined, influenced by familial and community expectations.
- Eilis wrestles with her emotional response, trying not to dwell on her desire to stay behind.
- A melancholic realization hits Eilis as she contemplates the end of her familiar life and the challenges ahead.
- Eilis's move to America means sacrificing Rose's potential marriage and her current lifestyle, highlighting personal sacrifice.
- There is an unspoken understanding among family, filled with emotions they cannot express out loud.
- Eilis resolves to conceal her true feelings from her family, demonstrating her internal struggle.
- Georgina's quote indicates the façade of wealth and happiness, as they hide their hunger behind a pretense.
Key Quotes from "Brooklyn" by Colm Toibin: Part Two
- Eilis reflects on her past, feeling a deep sense of loss and nostalgia for home and its simpler pleasures.
- Living in Brooklyn, Eilis describes her invisibility and emotional isolation, feeling like a ghost among the living.
- She grapples with a sense of entrapment, unable to break free from her situation.
- A profound sense of loneliness engulfs Eilis as she understands she has lost touch with her family and support network.
- Eilis engages in a mental coping mechanism, pushing painful thoughts aside to maintain her daily routine.
- Lack of personal connection is evident as coworkers remain indifferent, not bothering to know her.
- A surreal moment strikes Eilis when she imagines seeing her deceased father, emphasizing her yearning for connection.
Key Quotes from "Brooklyn" by Colm Toibin: Part Three
- Mrs. Kehoe's acknowledgment of Eilis's manor sets her apart from others, yet she remains guarded about forming close relationships.
- Eilis champions honesty, contrasting her perspective with Mrs. Kehoe's cynicism about the world.
- The act of savoring familiar sensations brings Eilis fleeting comfort but feels inadequate compared to home.
- Rose's mental image of a plumber illustrates the expectations and standards set by familial ties.
- Eilis’s busy schedule leaves no room for socializing, creating a reprieve from her loneliness.
- The pressure of love and loyalty emerges as Eilis struggles with Tony's affection and the reality of her life in America.
- Eilis feels judged and scrutinized while navigating her budding relationship, illustrating a blend of vulnerability and societal pressure.
- Cultural differences in expectations of appearances and manners captivate Eilis’s awareness of identity versus expectation.
- Confronted with her mother's declining health, Eilis begins to reassess her relationship with her past and future.
Key Quotes from "Brooklyn" by Colm Toibin: Part Four
- Eilis shares a poignant moment with her mother, connecting past memories with the present.
- The stark emptiness of her childhood bedroom contrasts sharply with the life she built in America, evoking dissonance.
- Eilis realizes the trade-offs of familiarity against the weight of her current commitments and plans.
- Her daily life emphasizes a blend of obligation and longing, frustrating Eilis’s sense of identity.
- Eilis’s adjustment to life changes questions her adaptability and the authenticity of her new life.
- Her interactions reflect a growing sense of alienation from those she once held dear, complicating her emotional landscape.
- Conversations with friends about her life highlights the shift in perception, illustrating the changes she’s undergone.
- Eilis faces the reality of her relationships, questioning their foundation and future amidst misunderstandings.
- A moment of bravery is shown as Eilis confronts the emotional complexities of her marriage and familial duties.
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Description
Test your knowledge of important quotes from Colm Toibin's novel Brooklyn. This quiz features key passages that explore the characters and their experiences. Use these flashcards to dive deeper into the themes and context of the story.
