Comment on theme

The author argues that people can have loyalty toward different elements of their lives. Sometimes the elements may conflict with each other.

The conflict in Northern Ireland raises a question as to what it means to be loyal to the country. Is it being loyal to the country to support it in its ways even though they might not be fair to everyone or is one more loyal to their country when they fight against the things that are unfair? The author argues that it is important to take action in whichever way a person feels. Marianne has more support from her mother by taking action even though it is questionable then Tessa does by being a bystander on the issue.