Eilis was proud of her sister, of how much care she took with her appearance and how much care she put into whom she mixed with in the town and the golf club.
-- Narrator (Part One)

Importance: Eilis looks up to her older sister, Rose, who takes great pride in both her appearance and her reputation. Rose is a gorgeous young woman who is also intensely bright and independent. These are things which Eilis wishes for herself. Rose will be an influential role model to Eilis in the coming months when Eilis travels to Brooklyn.

In the United States, there would be plenty of work for someone like you and with good pay.
-- Father Flood (Part One)

Importance: Father Flood, an old family friend, is invited over to tea by Rose. Flood, an Irish native who has moved to Brooklyn, New York, to serve a parish for the Church tells Eilis that she would easily find work there. He...