Baby

The baby Tony fathers with the Irishman's wife is symbolic of disruption. The news of the baby unsettles Eilis's life in Lindenhurst and causes her to question her marriage with Tony. Later, when Francesca sends Rosella the photo of the baby after her birth, Eilis decides to divorce Tony. In these ways, the baby causes conflict in Eilis's life and storyline.

Lindenhurst

The Lindenhurst neighborhood where Eilis lives in Long Island is symbolic of entrapment. With the exception of Frank, all of Tony's family members live in this same cul-de-sac. The closeness of their homes makes Eilis feel claustrophobic and limits her privacy. This is why she leaves the setting for Enniscorthy at the end of Part 1.

Eilis's Photos

The photos Eilis takes of her family and sends to her mother are symbolic of the past. When Eilis finds the photos in her mother's house in...