At times, Eilis found it stifling living beside Tony's parents and his two brothers and their families.
-- Narrator (Part 1, Chapter 1)

Importance: The Lindenhurst neighborhood in Long Island where Eilis lives with her family traps her and limits her freedom. Because all of her extended family resides in this same location, Eilis feels incapable of finding any time alone or maintaining her privacy. Her relationship with the place only worsens after Eilis discovers the news about Tony's baby. This passage contributes to the novel's explorations of entrapment and escape in that Eilis blames her angst and unrest on the setting and leaves Long Island in an attempt to liberate herself.

The baby will be a member of the family whether we like it or not. Tony is the father.
-- Francesca (Part 1, Chapter 5)

Importance: Francesca Fiorello's response to the news about the baby illustrates her role in the Fiorello family. Although Tony has betrayed Eilis's trust and caused upheaval in...