Essay Questions

What is Lloyd's primary motivation for exploring the small Irish island?

Lloyd is the novel's protagonist; his primary motivation to visit the small Irish Island is to explore and paint cliffs and learn more about the language and culture of the inhabitants. However, the author depicts Lloyd as ill-mannered and demanding, posing the question of whether the locals will accept him. Upon arrival on the island, the matriarch disapproves of Lloyd, but luckily, her grandson, interested in his paintings, accepts him.

Why do the Frenchman, Mason, and Lloyd dislike each other’s presence on the small Irish island?

The Frenchman, Masson, and Lloyd resent the presence of each other on the island because they have differing interests. Masson has been on the island for several years and has invested his resources in learning and preserving the local language. Consequently, Masson sees the arrival of Lloyd on the island as a threat to his long investment. According to Masson, Lloyd's paintings distort the local language and meaning. Masson argues that Lloyd is an English imperialist and that his presence on the island is unwelcome. Lloyd is also unhappy with Masson because when he came, he thought he would be the only visitor on the island.

What is the main cause of trouble and murders on the small Irish island?

Throughout the novel, the reader witnesses that people living on the island disagree on various issues, from religion to economic policies. Groups such as Protestants, Catholics, and IRA have different opinions, which brings the commotion that results in deaths and endless troubles. Interestingly, the disagreements between Lloyd and Masson on the island depict the reality of the local people who cannot agree on anything profitable. Therefore, there are misunderstandings on the island that bring commotion most of the time, making it almost impossible for economic prosperity.