Barrette answers “Based on the last paragraph of the novel,...”

Sarah asked this question about Brooklyn (Eilis Lacey, #1):

Based on the last paragraph of the novel, do you think Eilis happily returned to Tony and she realized she made the right decision? I am trying to make peace with the ending. "She has gone back to Brooklyn...these words would come to mean less and less to the man who heard them and would come to mean more and more to herself."

Barrette Throughout the entire novel, Eilis was a very passive character. Many of her decisions were guided by others--going to America was decided by her moth…moreThroughout the entire novel, Eilis was a very passive character. Many of her decisions were guided by others--going to America was decided by her mother and sister, her living arrangements and any conflict at work was settled by Father Flood, and her relationship with Tony was one she often questioned.
So, the question is, did she make the right decision in choosing to go back to America? I don't think she really made any decision at all. Her final choice was dictated by a sense of duty: she was stuck to Tony because of their quick marriage. Overall, Eilis was unable to be decisive enough to see what she truly wanted in life. If she stayed in Ireland, she would feel guilty about her marriage to Tony and leaving him behind; but her choice to go back to Brooklyn also fills her with regret: she is leaving her mother and a life that is comfortable and secure--she even brings along the pictures that will, of course, remind her of a life she will never have.
So, no, I don't think Eilis made any decision that she will make peace with. Overall, a bittersweet ending filled with longing and just a smidgen of hope.(less)

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