Do you think the characters have expectations for their lives that are in line with their circumstances? Which ones expected too much or settled for too little?
I think Catherine was too much of a dreamer - I think Frankie might have been but he was a little more realistic. Catherine’s goal of being a governess was not well thought out. I think she assumed in America freedom took away class but as she soon found out the prejudices against the Irish were tough to overcome. She did find employment in her goal but she might have found something else that could have made her just as happy.
I agree with Janine, It was different time. Prejudice existed and was accepted. As an irish immigrant, Catherine had little chance of working as a Governess … no matter how smart or learned she was.
I think the characters in this book had unrealistic expectations for their lives in America because they had been “fed” fairytales that promised jobs, financial security and a life much better than any currently available to them in the old country. So many immigrants believed the good life was a boat ride away. There was great prejudice against the Irish during that time period and their nationality was readily apparent. They had to settle for what they could get in the world of employment.
Characters’ expectations seemed limited. It was as though the actions of the characters were pre-ordained. For example, Michael loved the sea, so he didn’t do anything to accommodate others; Cath was not willing to make her own happiness, etc.
Most of the characters, maybe with the exception of Catherine, were willing to pursue the same occupation they had in Ireland. I think both Frank and Johnny were looking for something different but were unable, for whatever reason, to succeed. Catherine had a dream of teaching and she pursued it often at the expense of her family and herself.
I agree with what @Linda_Monaco posted. I think many of the immigrants did not realize the hardships they would face coming to America. In Ellen Marie Wiseman’s novel THE LIES THEY TOLD US described the horrors the family endured arriving at Ellis Island.
I was surprised Catherine wanted to be a governess, as i always read that most women did that when they had no other choice. I also dont think she realized the prejudice she would face in America.