Novel Opening: Keegan's Setting and Protagonist

Setting

• The novel is set in New Ross, County Wexford, Ireland in 1985, during a period of recession, migration, and unemployment.
• The story also flashes back to the late 1940s, during Bill Furlong's early years.

Protagonist - Bill Furlong

• Bill Furlong is a hardworking family man with a coal and timber business.
• He is happily married to Eileen and has five daughters: Kathleen, Joan, Sheila, Grace, and Loretta.
• He has a strong sense of gratitude for his family, feeling a deep, private joy when seeing his daughters do everyday tasks.

Shaping Identity

• Bill Furlong's mother was unmarried and 16 when she fell pregnant, leading to social criticism and bullying.
• Mrs Wilson, the Protestant owner of the "big house", allowed Furlong's mother to work and live with her, protecting him from an unknown fate.
• Mrs Wilson's compassion and fairness had a positive impact on Furlong's development, influencing his own compassionate nature.

Cultural Context

• The role of women in the 1980s is highlighted, with mothers occupied with household chores and limited freedom.
• There is a lack of diversity in the community, with Polish and Russian boatmen being a novelty.
• Unmarried mothers are ostracized, while the Catholic Church and Protestant community have distinct separations.
• Family is highly valued in this world, with Bill Furlong's happiness rooted in his family life.

General Vision and Viewpoint

• The opening setting is depicted in a bleak, cold manner, evoking a negative vision of Ireland.
• The novel portrays a pessimistic view of Ireland during the recession, with long dole queues and men struggling to pay their bills.
• However, Bill Furlong's positive character offers hope in this world, with his sense of gratitude and fairness providing a contrast to the harsh community.
• The novel highlights a disturbing lack of compassion in society, particularly towards unmarried mothers.
• Religious fervour is portrayed as a potential cause of conflict, with lukewarm religious beliefs leading to harmony between Protestant and Catholic communities.