My Mother Lily Duggan Analysis

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In Transatlantic, a letter is used to signify freedom and strengthens the relationship of a family. Lily Duggan, the first of her generation, traveled to America in hopes of a better life. Her child, Emily, wrote a letter to an old friend of hers. The letter was given to two aviators, Alcock and Brown, who flew over the Atlantic. The letter read, “I am sending this letter in the hope it will make its way into your hands. My Mother, Lily Duggan, always remembered a kindness shown to her by Miss Isabel Jennings. It is just as likely that that this will be lost at sea, but if they make it, perhaps you will receive this from two men who have knocked the war from a plane. We seldom know what echo our actions will find, but our stories will most …show more content…

The letter is a symbol of freedom because it was a part of the journey where freedom of flight and travel was more prominent than war. This also symbolizes that Lily did make it to America and is free from the chaos in Ireland because she was able to have a daughter to continue the family history. Years later, granddaughter, Lottie, is married. As a mother, Emily found “It was hard to believe: Mr. Ambrose Tuttle and Mrs. Lottie Tuttle. How odd that she had spent virtually every day together. This was the moment of release” (McCann, 223). Although this was a moment of release, it shows the deep connection that Emily and Lottie had. Together they were a team, always there for each other and doing each other's jobs. This letter caused Lottie and Emily to strengthen their relationship and they communicated more often than before as they recognize that they will not be able to see each other. The letter was passed down to Hannah, daughter of Lottie. She held onto the letter and thought, “I am not the opinion that we became empty chairs, but we certainly end up making room for others along the way” (McCann,

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