Essay Questions

How does Lily struggle with her identity throughout the course of the novel?

Early on, it is apparent to the reader that Lily is a lesbian. However, Lily doesn't quite recognize that and isn't sure she wants to accept that because it is different from all that she has ever known. Lily knows that she will be frowned upon if she is open about her sexuality, so is forced to meet her lover, Kathleen, in secret. Lily and Kathleen go with each other to the Telegraph Club, where they see performances by Tommy Andrews, who is somewhat of an idol to Lily. Though her family and friend Shirley do not accept her sexuality, she eventually reveals that she is a lesbian and becomes proud of her identity.

Why does Lily remain friends with Shirley?

Shirley doesn't seem like a likely candidate to be friends with Lily, especially because she appears to be openly hostile towards homosexuals. She criticizes Kathleen and says that Lily should not be friends with her because she has seen Kathleen with someone who is queer. However, Shirley has been a friend of Lily's since childhood and Lily doesn't feel comfortable throwing away her past. The two also share the same ethnic roots, so they are able to bond in a different type of way than Lily can bond with Kathleen.

What is the significance of Kathleen's mother's reaction to Lily's call?

After the Telegraph Club is raided by police and Kathleen is taken away, Lily calls Kathleen's mother to see if she knows her whereabouts. She does not, but Lily nevertheless reveals the whole story of why the two were at the Telegraph Club to begin with. This involved giving away the fact that they are both lesbian, and in love with one another. Kathleen's mother claims that she did not raise a homosexual, and denies Lily's allegations.

This reaction is perhaps not surprising, especially given that the novel is set in the 1950's. However, it still proves that there was little tolerance for homosexuality, even in the family setting. Her mother's reaction reveals that Kathleen, like Lily, knew that she had to keep her homosexuality a secret from her family, for fear of being punished.