Watch Small Things Like These (2024) Movie
In 1985, while working as a coal merchant to support his family, Bill Furlong discovers disturbing secrets kept by the local convent and uncovers truths of his own; forcing him to confront his past and the complicit silence of a small Irish town controlled by the Catholic Church.
If you want to get on in life, there’s things you have to ignore so you can keep on. - small town
## The Quiet Rebellion in "Small Things Like These": A Deeper Look Beyond the Laundry
Claire Keegan's "Small Things Like These" is more than just a story about a man delivering coal in a small Irish town. It's a nuanced exploration of morality, community complicity, and the devastating impact of silence on the vulnerable. While the plot seems simple – Bill Furlong encounters disturbing truths at the local Magdalene Laundry during Christmas – the true power lies in the subtle unfolding of his conscience and the ripple effect of his seemingly small act of defiance.
Spoiler alert: this article will discuss key plot points and the ending of the novella.
Bill Furlong, a man shaped by his own humble beginnings and the kindness of a single mother, embodies the quiet decency of the working class. He provides for his wife and daughters, finding contentment in routine and the familiarity of his town. Yet, beneath this placid surface lies a deep-seated empathy, a quality that sets him apart from the silent majority. The novella masterfully portrays the weight of this unspoken empathy as it grows within him, fueled by fleeting encounters and unsettling whispers surrounding the Convent of the Good Shepherd.
The laundry, a place cloaked in secrecy and whispered anxieties, represents the dark underbelly of the town's seemingly pious facade. Keegan doesn't rely on graphic descriptions of abuse; instead, she uses evocative imagery and unsettling glimpses to paint a chilling picture. The dirty linens, the gaunt faces of the girls, the oppressive silence – all contribute to an atmosphere of profound wrong.
Furlong's journey towards confronting this wrong is a slow burn. It's not a sudden epiphany, but a gradual erosion of his carefully constructed normalcy. He recalls his own mother's acceptance despite her unwed status, contrasting it with the cruel judgment inflicted upon the young women at the laundry. He sees the fear in his wife's eyes, the societal pressure to maintain the status quo, the potential repercussions of speaking out. He understands the risk.
What elevates "Small Things Like These" beyond a simple morality tale is Keegan's understanding of human psychology. Furlong isn't a saint; he's a flawed individual wrestling with his conscience. He contemplates the potential impact on his family, the ostracism he might face, the financial hardship that could ensue. These considerations make his eventual decision all the more powerful.
The climax, where Furlong defies societal expectations and rescues one of the young women from the laundry, is not presented as a grand act of heroism. It's a quiet act of rebellion, driven by compassion and a refusal to remain silent. The true brilliance lies in the understated nature of the rescue itself. There are no dramatic confrontations, no heroic speeches. Just a man, a girl, and the weight of a community's complicity hanging in the air.
The ending is deliberately ambiguous. We don't know what the future holds for Furlong, his family, or the girl he rescued. We don't know if his actions will spark a wider awakening or if he will be punished for his defiance. But the novella leaves us with a powerful message: that even small acts of kindness and courage can have profound consequences, and that silence, in the face of injustice, is the greatest sin of all.
"Small Things Like These" is a haunting reminder that morality is not about grand gestures, but about the everyday choices we make, the words we speak, and the silences we break. It's a testament to the power of individual conscience and the enduring hope that even in the face of overwhelming darkness, a single act of kindness can ignite a flicker of light. The novella compels us to examine our own complicity, our own silences, and to consider the small things we can do to make a difference in the world.
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