Goleen, Ireland

Goleen, Ireland symbolizes the sexual repression in Ireland. Pregnant Catherine Goggin's shaming by the citizens of Goleen echoes the repression faced by her son, Cyril Avery, the protagonist of the novel. It also echoes the shame faced by Cyril's wife, Alice Woodbead, when he abandons her while she is pregnant. Goleen represents Ireland at its most socioculturally repressive.

Dublin, Ireland

The novel's protagonist, Cyril Avery, grows up in Dublin, not Goleen. Dublin's relationship with homosexuality is a simile for Cyril's own. As Ireland becomes more socioculturally progressive, Cyril also becomes more comfortable expressing his homosexuality. By the epilogue of the novel, Cyril is a social activist, and Ireland has changed partially as a result of his actions.

Amsterdam, Holland

For the protagonist, Cyril Avery, Amsterdam symbolizes his growing potential for sexual freedom and self-acceptance. It also exemplifies how the life one can build is affected...