Boston

Boston is the capital and most populous city of the state of Massachusetts. As a college student, Eileen attends the University of Massachusetts Boston and studies in the English and creative writing programs there. Eileen develops a crush on one of her professors, Eva Nelson. Eileen describes Boston as a city somewhat lacking in its own identity. Instead functioning more as a place for outsiders to visit rather than a place for people to call home. After Eileen moves to New York, she often thinks about Boston and how it differs from New York City.

Arlington

Arlington is a town located northwest of Boston. Before going to college, Eileen lives and attends Catholic schools in Arlington. She resides there with her working-class family. While attending college, Eileen commutes to school from her apartment in Arlington. Eileen’s Catholic education and working-class family play major roles in her early...