Small Things Like These
Tags: #fiction #literature #social justice #ethics #morality #Ireland #history
Authors: Claire Keegan
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Overview
In my novella, ‘Small Things Like These’, I wanted to illuminate the quiet acts of courage that can make all the difference. Set against the backdrop of 1980s Ireland, a time of economic hardship and societal conservatism, the story follows Bill Furlong, an ordinary coal merchant struggling to make a living and provide for his family. His world is disrupted when he discovers a young, pregnant girl hidden in a coal shed at a local convent, revealing the harsh realities of the Magdalene laundries, institutions notorious for their exploitation of women. I explore the moral dilemmas Furlong faces as he grapples with his conscience in a society where silence and conformity are often valued above truth and compassion. The choices he ultimately makes highlight the power of individual action to challenge injustice and offer hope, even in the face of daunting circumstances. While set in a specific historical context, the story resonates with contemporary concerns about social responsibility, the abuse of power, and the importance of human dignity. By focusing on the struggles of ordinary people confronting extraordinary challenges, ‘Small Things Like These’ speaks to the enduring power of individual acts of kindness to ignite change and create a more just and equitable world.
Book Outline
1. Chapter 1
Bill Furlong, a coal and timber merchant, experiences a busy period as winter approaches. Despite his modest success, he is acutely aware of the hardships faced by others in his community, including poverty and alcoholism.
Key concept: “The empty sack cannot stand,” Mrs Kehoe liked to say, standing behind her new buffet counter, slicing up the meat and dishing out the veg and mash with her long, metal spoons.
2. Chapter 2
Bill Furlong reflects on his humble beginnings, having been raised by a kind Protestant widow, Mrs. Wilson, after his unmarried mother’s death. The mystery surrounding his father’s identity lingers in his mind.
Key concept: But Furlong never had found out who his father was. His mother had died suddenly, keeled over on the cobblestones one day, wheeling a barrow of crab-apples up to the house, to make jelly.
3. Chapter 3
The Christmas season arrives, bringing a sense of joy and anticipation for Furlong and his family. He observes his daughters and feels a deep sense of gratitude for their presence in his life. The annual tradition of making a Christmas cake reinforces their close-knit family bonds.
Key concept: That evening, when they got home, Eileen said it was well past time they made the Christmas cake.
4. Chapter 4
Furlong encounters the darker side of his community when he makes a delivery to the convent. The sight of young women working as unpaid labor in the convent’s laundry, along with rumors about their circumstances, troubles him deeply.
Key concept: He’d carried on to a small, lighted chapel where he found more than a dozen young women and girls, down on their hands and knees with tins of old-fashioned lavender polish and rags, polishing their hearts out in circles on the floor.
5. Chapter 5
As Christmas approaches, the Furlongs prepare for the holiday amidst economic uncertainty and news of hardship in the community. Furlong struggles with a sense of unease and a yearning for a deeper purpose in life.
Key concept: ‘Turn on the telly there so we can get the news,’ she said. ‘I’ve a feeling Haughey will snake back in again.’
6. Chapter 6
On Christmas Eve, Furlong makes a delivery to the convent and finds a young girl hiding in the coal shed. The girl, who had escaped from the laundry, is pregnant and in distress. Furlong is torn between his desire to help her and his fear of the consequences of getting involved.
Key concept: Furlong found himself taking his cap off and following, as he was bid, helping the girl along the hall and on through to the back kitchen where a pair of girls were skinning turnips and washing heads of cabbages at a sink.
7. Chapter 7
Furlong takes the girl home, defying societal expectations and risking his reputation. As they walk through town, he experiences both kindness and judgment from those he encounters, highlighting the complexities of community and compassion.
Key concept: As they walked on, Furlong met people he had known and dealt with for the greater part of his life, most of whom gladly stopped to speak until, looking down, they saw the bare, black feet and realised the girl with him was not one of his own.
Essential Questions
1. What are the moral dilemmas explored in the story, and how do they reflect the societal context of 1980s Ireland?
The story probes the moral conflict of an ordinary man, Bill Furlong, as he witnesses the plight of a young woman exploited by a powerful institution, the Catholic Church. Torn between his desire for a comfortable life and his conscience, he ultimately chooses to act, demonstrating that even small acts of courage can challenge injustice. Keegan’s portrayal of Furlong’s internal struggle underscores the human capacity for both complicity and compassion, highlighting the moral complexities inherent in navigating social norms and personal values. The novella suggests that moral courage isn’t always grand and heroic; it can manifest in quiet acts of defiance that ripple outwards, challenging the status quo and inspiring hope.
2. How does the novella address the theme of silence and complicity in the face of institutional abuse?
The novella explores the theme of societal complicity in the face of injustice, particularly towards women. The silence and secrecy surrounding the Magdalene laundries allowed the abuse and exploitation of vulnerable women to persist for decades. The community’s reluctance to acknowledge the harsh realities of these institutions and their preference for maintaining a façade of respectability created an environment where exploitation thrived. The story challenges readers to confront their own complicity in systems of oppression and to consider the consequences of silence. By breaking the silence and acting with compassion, individuals can disrupt harmful norms and contribute to a more just society.
3. How does the novella critique the power structures and social norms prevalent in the story’s setting?
The novella subtly critiques the power dynamics inherent in Irish society, particularly the influence of the Catholic Church. The Church’s authority and moral sway over the community are evident in the deference shown to the nuns and the fear of challenging their practices. Furlong’s decision to help the young woman despite the potential consequences for his reputation and standing in the community demonstrates a rejection of blind obedience to authority and an affirmation of personal moral judgment. The story implicitly suggests that true morality lies in compassion and empathy, rather than adhering to rigid social hierarchies or institutional dictates.
Key Takeaways
1. Small acts of kindness and courage can have a ripple effect, inspiring change within a community.
The story emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals within a community and the ripple effects of seemingly small actions. Furlong’s decision to help the young woman, while a personal act of conscience, has wider implications for challenging the culture of silence and complicity surrounding the convent’s practices. It suggests that individual choices can spark broader social change by disrupting harmful norms and inspiring others to act with compassion and integrity.
Practical Application:
In the field of AI, this principle applies to the ethical considerations of developing and deploying AI systems. For instance, AI product engineers should be mindful of the potential biases embedded in training data and strive to mitigate those biases to ensure fairness and equity in algorithmic decision-making. By considering the broader social impact of their work, engineers can contribute to the development of AI that benefits all members of society, rather than perpetuating existing inequalities.
2. Empathy and understanding are crucial for addressing social injustice and fostering compassion.
The novella underscores the importance of empathy and understanding in addressing complex social issues. Furlong’s compassion for the young woman stems from his ability to see her as an individual deserving of dignity and respect, rather than simply as a product of her circumstances. The story encourages readers to engage with the world around them with open hearts and minds, recognizing the shared humanity that connects us all.
Practical Application:
This concept is particularly relevant to AI product design. Instead of solely focusing on technical functionalities, engineers should prioritize human-centered design principles, taking into account the diverse needs and perspectives of users. By understanding the lived experiences of those who will be impacted by AI systems, engineers can create technologies that are not only effective but also ethically sound and socially responsible.
3. Challenging one’s own biases and assumptions is essential for fostering a more just and equitable society.
The story highlights the limitations of individual perspectives and the importance of challenging one’s own biases. Furlong’s initial reluctance to get involved stems from his limited understanding of the complexities of the situation and his adherence to societal expectations. His encounter with the young woman forces him to confront his assumptions and to recognize the inherent dignity and worth of all individuals, regardless of their circumstances or social standing. The novella encourages readers to engage in critical self-reflection and to be open to perspectives that challenge their own worldviews.
Practical Application:
For AI professionals, this translates into the importance of fostering diversity and inclusion within the tech industry. By valuing diverse perspectives and lived experiences, engineers can create AI systems that are more equitable and representative of the populations they serve. It also highlights the need for ongoing dialogue and collaboration between technologists and those impacted by AI to ensure that technological advancements align with human values and societal well-being.
Memorable Quotes
Chapter 1. 9
“The empty sack cannot stand,” Mrs Kehoe liked to say, standing behind her new buffet counter, slicing up the meat and dishing out the veg and mash with her long, metal spoons.
Chapter 4. 28
“If you want to get on in life, there’s things you have to ignore, so you can keep on.”
Chapter 6. 34
“Mister, won’t you help us?”
Chapter 6. 40
“Hasn’t everyone to be born somewhere,” Furlong said. “Sure wasn’t Jesus was born in Bethlehem.”
Chapter 7. 57
As they carried on along and met more people Furlong did and did not know, he found himself asking was there any point in being alive without helping one another?
Comparative Analysis
While “Small Things Like These” explores individual moral responsibility in the face of societal injustice, it shares thematic similarities with other works that delve into the complexities of human nature and social structures. For instance, George Orwell’s “1984” highlights the dangers of totalitarian regimes and the suppression of dissent, while Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” examines the consequences of patriarchal control and the subjugation of women. Similar to Furlong’s struggle in Keegan’s novella, characters in these dystopian novels confront moral dilemmas and face the consequences of defying oppressive norms. However, unlike those grand narratives of systemic oppression, Keegan’s work focuses on the intimate and subtle acts of resistance, emphasizing the profound impact that small acts of compassion can have on individuals and communities. It underscores the importance of personal agency in challenging injustice, even when the odds seem insurmountable.
Reflection
“Small Things Like These” is a powerful and timely reminder that even seemingly insignificant acts of kindness can have a profound impact on individuals and communities. Set in a specific historical context, the novella transcends its time and place, offering universal insights into human nature and social responsibility. By focusing on the quiet struggles of ordinary people grappling with moral dilemmas, Keegan compels us to confront uncomfortable truths about societal complicity in injustice. While the story offers a glimmer of hope through Furlong’s courageous actions, it also acknowledges the complexities of systemic oppression and the limitations of individual efforts to dismantle those systems. Skeptical readers might question the plausibility of Furlong’s actions, given the social and economic risks involved. However, the novella’s strength lies in its nuanced portrayal of human motivations and the conflicting forces that shape our choices. Ultimately, “Small Things Like These” is a testament to the enduring power of compassion to illuminate even the darkest corners of our world and to inspire us to strive for a more just and equitable future.
Flashcards
Who is the protagonist of “Small Things Like These”?
Bill Furlong, a coal and timber merchant.
Who does Furlong find hiding in the coal shed?
A young pregnant girl escaping from the convent laundry.
What historical context does the novella address?
The Magdalene laundries, institutions known for exploiting women.
In what year is the story set?
1985, a time of economic hardship in Ireland.
What is a central theme of the novella?
Individual acts of courage and compassion can challenge injustice.
What is the name of the girl Furlong helps?
Sarah Redmond
Who raised Furlong after his mother died?
Mrs. Wilson, a kind Protestant widow.