Part 1, 1940-1945, Chapter 4, Summary

Aisling uses Elizabeth as an excuse for getting out of things while Elizabeth gains self-confidence but cannot share personal matters. Joannie Murray leads classmates in questioning Elizabeth's Protestant faith and convincing her to let them baptize her. Elizabeth begins attending Mass. Looking forward to an Irish Christmas, Elizabeth is troubled that the celebration will be ruined when Maureen is caught having shoplifted gifts. There is a row, but nothing can spoil Christmas. Violet annoys Eileen by sending money for both girls' birthdays, having always overlooked Aisling; Donal's asthma worsens; and Sean Sr., damns his son for being absent from the shop.

Part 1, 1940-1945, Chapter 4, Analysis

Chapter 4 continues contrasting the O'Connors' ways with Violet's. Notably, Elizabeth misses her London school teacher above friends and, it seems, even family. She quickly adopts the hurried manner required by a large family but...