Emigrants
Emigrants (from Ireland) are absolutely destitute. O'Toole writes, "Emigrants often left with virtually nothing. The most resonant Irish object of the time was a small, cheap brown suitcase, often battered and tied with rope to keep it shut." The tattered suitcases usually contained few possessions. They were almost empty; they denote the extent of the emigrants’ hopelessness. Affording new briefcases was a tall order for impoverished emigrants. The emigrants are optimistic that they will get employment and sustain themselves once they get to other countries, such as England.
Cold War
The Cold War contributed to the Isolation of Ireland. O’Toole expounds on the drama that interfered with Europe's recovery: “In 1952, after the outbreak of the Korean War and the deepening of Cold War animosities, Ireland’s refusal to join NATO, on grounds that it could not participate in a military alliance with Britain while the country continued to occupy the six counties of Northern Ireland.” Ireland’s stand means that the country could not promote the desires of America. Consequently, some activities that had fostered cooperation between America and Ireland were put off. The suspension meant that Ireland would not enjoy financial support from America.
Queen Elizabeth
Queen Elizabeth's image is omnipresent in British coins. O’Toole remarks, “Queen Elizabeth occupies the same observe space as the Celtic harp with Eire stamped above it.” Besides, there are coins with images of previous monarchs such as Victoria. Their images affirm the supremacy of the monarchy. The power goes beyond Britain because the coins are accepted as currency in Ireland.
