The Fur Coat by Sean O’Faolain
In The Fur Coat by Sean O’Faolain we have the theme of desire, aspiration, appearance, change and identity. Narrated in the third person by an unnamed narrator the reader realises after reading the story that O’Faolain may be exploring the theme of desire. Molly strongly wants to get the fur coat. She believes that she will be properly dressed should she own a fur coat. However her basic instincts stop her from getting the coat. This may be important as O’Faolain may be using the fur coat as symbolism for success and Molly may feel as though she does not really deserve the fur coat. The success that the family has achieved is more to do with her husband’s appointment as Parliamentary Secretary than it is to do with anything that Molly has done. Molly’s life is simple. She looks after her children, is a full time housewife and rather than buying new clothes for her children mends their clothes. Which could also be important. A fur coat as Molly is fully aware is an expensive purchase. The money could be used for clothes for the children rather than having Molly spend it on herself. If anything Molly may feel swept away or overwhelmed by her husband’s appointment. Imagining herself to be able to live a life she has never lived before.
O’Faolain also appears to be exploring the theme of appearance and just how important appearance is to Molly. Something that is noticeable when Molly makes reference to the wives of both deValera and General Mulcahy. She is likening herself to these women as though she too has the same importance due to her husband’s new appointment. Maguire’s appointment means that Molly will mix in new circles and she wants to look good and to be an equal to others. Something she does not feel she is at the moment. At the moment Molly sees herself as no more than an ordinary housewife unlike the wives of deValera and General Mulcahy. If anything there is a sense that Molly may feel ashamed of who she is and believes that a fur coat or even a set of new dresses will change her for the better. That Molly is just as good as the wives of deValera and General Mulcahy.
It is also noticeable that Molly becomes preoccupied with getting a fur coat, listing the various types of coats to Maguire along with the cost of each coat. This preoccupation is important as it suggests that Molly is dissatisfied with her life and that she wishes for something else. However it is also noticeable that Molly at times is being practical when it comes to the cost of a coat. This may be important as it suggests that Molly can still understand the value of money. Something that has possibly been triggered by her circumstances (Maguire in prison). If anything Molly is unprepared for the new circle that she will be mixing in and may have low self-esteem. Believing that how she appears (the clothes she wears) is more important than the character she is. It is also possible that Molly is placing others on a pedestal that they may not necessarily deserve. The wives of deValera and General Mulcahy’s being an example.
The end of the story is also interesting as Molly comes full circle and accepts that she does not want (or need) a fur coat. Despite Maguire providing her with the money Molly has second thoughts. Though Molly tells Maguire she doesn’t know why she has changed her mind it is possible that Molly has realised that she is who she is. That she does not need to compete with the wives of deValera or General Mulcahy. That she does not need to change who she is. It might also be a case that Molly realises that she may have been selfish, thinking only of herself and not her family. It is also possible that Molly, having spent so many years struggling, is defeated or beaten and no longer has the energy required to be something that she knows she really isn’t. Molly has lived her life as part of a political struggle and may not be able to forget this. For that reason she probably is aware that the fur coat is more for appearance than practicality. Yet Molly is unable as previously mentioned to forget who she is. Regardless of the change in the political landscape of Ireland and Maguire’s new appointment Molly can remember what it is like to struggle. Something that is also noticeable by the fact that she spent the evening mending her children’s clothes. It may also be possible that Molly has realised that a fur coat symbolises the spoils of war. A war that cost so many lives and resulted in Maguire’s imprisonment. Molly may no longer feel comfortable with the idea of wearing a fur coat when others have sacrificed so much for her freedom. The reader sensing at the end of the story that Molly has not forgotten her true identity. The wife of a former political prisoner and the mother of children in a fledgling State (Ireland).
Does she find the fur coat?
analysis for a short story well deserving. the relation to African context can be enriching and bringing it closer to learners’ understanding of the differences or similarities that we see in our former prisoners’ wives and them.
Thanks for that Zamikaya.
“and I think that will satisfy you!”why this statement can be viewed as sarcastic?
No she did not find it, she has changed her mind about buying a fur coat as she thought that it is not necessary.
Why does Molly have this sudden outbursts of anger?
1.Because she feels paddy is being selfish.
2.paddy is giving her practical reasons why she needs a fur coat.
What is meant by a fur coat in the extract and what was the significance
Was Paddy being “mean” for not providing a fur coat for his wife Molly? And what happened to them afterwards?
Vanity!
Did the fur coat bring a conflict between two couple?
Was Molly trying to convince Paddy that she needed a fur coat, or was she trying to convince herself? Give reasons for the answer.
What exactly is the theme and setting of the story? Please
Thanks for the comment Rolland. The main theme of story is one of identity with Molly trying to figure out who she is. The story itself is set in Paddy and Molly’s home in Dublin, Ireland.
Thanks a lots.
Mention two concerns that molly has about owning a fur coat
Is Molly justified in accusing paddy of being mean? Substantiate your response
Who is Switzer in this story?
Thanks for the comment Sanele. Switzer’s was a department store in Dublin at the time the story was written.
Why Maguire cried at the beginning of the story?
It’s not so much a cry of sorrow but a cry of joy. Maguire has just been promoted in work and he is happy.
Is Molly Maguire making a reasonable request plz discuss your views?
Was there a certain part where there was conflict or argument?
Thanks for the comment Kgaugelo. There is a sense of conflict (or argument) when Molly thinks that Paddy is refusing to give her the money to buy the fur coat. It is really noticeable when Molly ‘hurled the basket of mending’ at Paddy. Molly accusing Paddy of having a ‘peasant streak.’
Why did the writer use the spelling….Bloody wan of ye’. Which is not conventional English?
And ‘You are all alike, every bloody wan of ye’
Who’s are all being referred to?
Thanks for the comment Nduraa. O’Faolain is using Irish vernacular the story is set in Ireland.
Though the sentence is directed at Paddy. Molly is suggesting that Paddy is like all Irish people who might have a ‘peasant streak.’
Why does Molly reveal mixed feelings (affection and irritation)?
Thanks for the comment BMS. It is possible that Molly is somewhat confused throughout the story. She wants the fur coat to impress and be like others hence the affection towards Maguire. However her identity or who she perceives herself to be does not allow her to get the coat. Hence the irritation. It is as though there is an internal battle (or conflict) within Molly.
“The years had polished her hard” Explain both literal and figurative meaning of these words.
O’Faolain is using a metaphor to suggest that Molly has been toughen by the years. She is not the same woman that she previously had been.
That figurative and literal?
As far as I know it is. The figurative (language) would be a metaphor as far as I can work out. And the literal is Molly being toughened by the years.
Ok thanks…..and here
She had hit ….below the belt
Explain both literal and figurative meaning
It is a metaphor being used by O’Faolain. To suggest that Molly has been unconventional with her engagement (or attack) of Maguire. She has not followed any rules for her engagement and just as it is incorrect for a boxer to hit below the belt. So too has Molly.
Why Molly wants a fur coat?
Is the name of her husband paddu?
Thanks for the comment Lebo. Molly’s husband’s name is Paddy Maguire.
There is part……Mean?gasped Maguire…….Mean!
Which one word describe paddys feeling and where or wht is irony in Molly accusation??
The word mean describes Paddy’s outrage at Molly’s suggestion the he is being mean to her. He has offered to buy a coat for Molly but she remains undecided. Which is somewhat ironic as Molly has the opportunity to buy the fur coat but hesitates. Something she can’t blame on Maguire.
Why does Molly decide to have a fur coat and why at the end tho, does she decide against that?
Describe the character traits of both Molly and Paddy
What was happening when Paddy tries to reduce the pier by five yards..I don’t get this at all. And did he steal the money of the check he gave it to Molly?
Thanks I was so clueless
Is Switzers in beginning a clothing shop? “Molly Maguire looked at him with affection and irritation”. Describe what it means and what she feels at that moment
Give 2-3 reasons why Molly wants a fur coat or the main reason why.
The main reason Molly wanted the fur coat was because the wives of some important men (deValera and General Mulcahy) had fur coats. Molly considers a fur coat to be a status symbol showing her own perceived importance.
So who is Molly trying to convince between herself and her husband that she “needs” the coat?
Can you please tell me all the characters in the story.
The internal and the external conflict please
What event brought on the discussion about fur coats?
Explain the irony in Molly’s accusation when she says Paddy is mean.
How would one tell just by looking at Molly that she’d had a tough life?
1. What was the reason that Molly could not get a fur coat .
2. what does it mean Paddy says that they had thin times?
3. what are the two reasons that paddy thinks a fur coat will be a good thing?
4. why is paddy referred to as innocent and in experienced
5. Discuss the hardships that paddy and Molly had to face
1. Molly herself decided against getting a fur coat.
2. Paddy was in prison for a period of time so Molly had a little or no money.
3. Paddy thinks Molly should have some comfort after the thin times. Also Paddy thinks Molly would not only look good in a fur coat but would be better than other women if she had a fur coat.
4. Paddy is thinking he is being extravagant as is befitting his new position as a Parliamentary Secretary but he doesn’t really understand the situation or the cost of a good fur coat.
5. Paddy and Molly went through a revolution together. Paddy himself was in and out of prison and the Paddy and Molly’s children were reared for a period of time on money from others (Prisoners’ Dependents’ Fund).
“For she was a handsome little woman still”
Why would the writer suggests that Molly is handsome?
What are the differences between molly and paddy?
One difference is that Molly strives to impress others or at least wants to. While Paddy appears to be happy with the situation he finds himself in. Though it is not difficult for Paddy to be happy considering he is a Parliamentary Secretary. Another difference is that Molly is not satisfied. She believes a fur coat will better her. Yet Paddy will find it difficult to better himself (job wise). He is possibly at the pinnacle of his career.
The next moment it died in her. What does that mean?
meaning of the fur coat…?
translation of “Wan of ye”
What is meant by “painted jades that never lifted a finger for God or man”
Pls explain what it means” There was a pier down in Kerry to be looked at”?
Thank u Dermot…clear now.
Paddy Maguire’s reply to her request is of course, of course…Get two fur coats! What does his reply reveal to the reader about his character.
‘You could see the years on her fingertips… and in her diamond-bright eyes.
4.1. Is the phrase ‘years on her fingertips ‘ being used literally or figuratively?
4.2. explain in your own words what it means.
4.3. Why has the author selected to compare her eyes to diamonds in this sentence?
when he hears how much a genuine fur coat could cost,Paddy ‘drew into himself’ and soon after takes out his briefcase. What does this tell the reader?
Molly puts the children to bed as if ‘throwing sacks of turf’.
what is suggested about the children’s bedtime?
After the children are in bed, molly sits at the fire and begins mending pyjamas. For a while she is quiet and stares into the fire. What does she think about?
what adjectives best describes Paddy Maguire??
Paddy Maguire begins to focus more on the plans he has in front of him, of a pier that is in the planning stages.He keeps thinking of ways to make the pier smaller and cutting coasts in its construction.
Do the thoughts he is having about the pier represent what he is thinking about in his subconscious mind?
The conversation about the fur coat continues back and forth until she suddenly adopts a different attitude.
explain her behaviour and his reaction
What does the fur cost symbolise for molly?
The conflict in this story is partly between Molly and Paddy, and partly internal-within Molly.At the end of the story mixed feeling cause her to sob. Explain these conflicting feelings?
The story is set in Ireland and colloquial language has been used to make it aunthetic.
13.1. Do u think the language limits the story to a particular setting g or time? Discuss
13.2. Select 6-10 lines from the story where a number of colloquial expressions appear and rewrite in South African English, The English you would use if expressing those ideas
References of the fur coat?
Why is Paddy referred to as innocent and inexperienced
Why is molly described as handsome not beautiful?
Now I know the setting, characterization, themes, conflict and crisis. What is the resolution?
Do you sympathise with Paddy Maguire in this extract? Discuss your views.
I can’t answer your question Zandile as you haven’t given me the extract. Give me the first and last line of the extract and I’ll have a look through the story.
How relevant is the title “the fur coat” in this story?
What is the theme of the story?
How many children do Paddy and Molly have?
“now Paddy I must have a fur coat” was Molly being reasonable asking her husband for such an expensive luxury item
Why has molly asked for a fur coat?
After tearing the cheque, molly changes her mind again and at the end of the story she is the proud owner of a fur coat, Is the statement true or false? Provide reason from the story.
What does the fur coat symbolise in the story?
Explain both figurative and literal meaning
“she hit him below the belt” is this a figurative or literal?
Figurative.
Explain figurative and literal meaning.
1.describe paddy’s attitude towards molly.
2.explain why Switzers would give the macquires ‘any amount of tick from now on.’
3.explain why molly reveals mixed feelings of affection and irritation.
4.the years had polished her hard.
explain both literal and figurative meaning of the words
It’s been a long time since I read the story. Your questions would require a closer inspection of the story. If I answer your questions I would only be working from memory which may be misleading and incorrect. But here goes.
1. Paddy wants Molly to get the fur coat but when he realises the price he is hesitant. However when he sees how much Molly wants the coat he gives her the money for the coat.
2. Paddy has a powerful job and as such a higher salary. He would feel that Switzers would consider him not be a risk when it comes to giving him tick (or credit).
3. Molly may be charming Paddy and when she realises he is hesitant about giving her the money for the fur coat she becomes irritated.
4. Literally it means just as a polished object loses its shine by being polished too hard and often so too has Molly. Figuratively the sentence means the years had toughened Molly. She is not as innocent or naive as she once was.
I would recommend that you go through the story for yourself to double check the answers.
Identify and Discuss one theme of the story which is evident in this extract
What was the fund that helped Molly?
Explain how Molly’s attitude changes?
1 was paddy Maguire against his wife getting a fur coat?
2. What reasons does molly give for getting a coat?
3.What reasons does she have perhaps not getting a coat
4 What value does paddy Maguire see in a fur coat
5 Why does the author describe Maguira working on the pier during discussion
6 Does she want a fur coat?
List the various types of coat
If you go through the story you’ll find the various types of fur coats that Molly mentions.
Which of the two characters do you sympathize with in the story? Give a reason for your answer.
1.Name two characters in the story and their occupations
2.what event sparks the discussion about the fur coat?
3.Discuss the irony in the woman’s demand of a fur coat.
4.Explain why the fur coat is so important to her?
5.According to your knowledge of the story provide evidence that they are not financially sound.
6.in your opinion why is the husband reluctant to buy the coat?
7.identify the main theme of this story .
Why does Molly maguire ask for a fur coat
At the beginning of the story they said “for she was a handsome little woman” what are the bacically saying about Molly?
O’Faolain could be saying many things. He could be giving the reader a simple physical description of Molly or he may be symbolically suggesting Molly has been beaten by the years. Handsome as a description usually refers to a man. Molly has had to play the male role in her marriage. Providing for her children while Paddy was in prison. Also the fact that she is described as little could suggest she is of a slight stature or that she is a woman of no importance. Unlike the wives of deValera and General Mulcachy.
Please can i get u notes of this story
what is molly’s character traits.
She is hard-working and struggles to get by.
Was Molly being fair for deserving an expensive coat , meanwhile she doesn’t know who she really is ?
Is paddy a supportive husband?
1. What position is Paddy promoted to?
Ey, Dermot can you please help me on The fur coat
1.Refer to the following statement
“And i think that will satisfy you!”
Explain why this statement can be viewed as sarcastic?
2.What is revealed about paddy character in this exract? Mention two traits?
3.Which of the two characters do you emphasize with in this story? Give a reason for your answer
1. The person making the statement may not mean it.
2. I don’t have access to the extract.
3. I empathize with Molly the most as life has been a struggle for her and at the end of the story she doesn’t think she deserves better ( the fur coat).
What is the tone and mood of the story (the fur coat) or the characters?
Can you please explain why Paddy is reluctant to buy the coat?
What is a fur coat?
What event brought on discussion about fur coat?
Why does the author describe Maguire working on the pier during discussion
1why does molly have this sudden out of anger?
2whath is molly suggesting about her husband when she say he has a peasan streak?
3 why did paddy feel bad when molly said he was mean? and give a reason for paddys feeling
4 explain the irony in molly accusation of paddy
5 referd to the statement she had hit him below the belt explain both literal n figuratitive meaning of the qouted statement
6 do you sympathise with paddy here? discuss ur views
explain why this statement can be viewed as sarcastic? “in the development the plot, this extract signifies the…………..of the story
A.rising action
B.climax
C.falling action
D.denouement
Can you please give me some character development of Paddy and Molly
Working from memory. Both are hard working and have struggled. Paddy having been in prison and Molly having had to look after the children while Paddy was in prison. Both also want to advance themselves. Something that Paddy has managed to do with his promotion in work. While Molly believes having a fur coat with elevate her social status.
Do they have children?
Hello. Please help me with a few questions. From the extract: “And she crashed out and banged the door after her … Paddy, their is something vulgar about a fur coat.”
1. Why does Molly bang the door after her?
2. Identity the figure of speech in “put the children … into a cellar”
3. Explain why this figure of speech is appropriate.
Paddy Maguire ‘s reply to her request is’ Of course, of course…. ‘Get two fur coats!’ What does his reply reveal to the reader about his character?
please help me:
A. Was paddy Maguire against his wife getting a fur coast?
B. Was molly trying to convince Paddy that she needed a fur coat,or was she trying to convince herself?Give reasons for your answer.
C. What reason does molly give for getting a coat?
D. What reason does she have for perhaps not getting a coat?
E. What value does Paddy Maguire see in a fur coat?
thank you.
Thank you for your help Dermot. Thanks a lot.
You’re welcome Jacky.
I just read the comments they’re really helpful, they made me understand the story better, thanks a lot guys
Can you please tell me about the exposition,falling action and resolution in this story please
1.Do you sympathise with molly or paddy in this extract?. Discuss your view
2.refer to line 12-21(‘stop it!…ran out again.’)
Identify and discuss one theme which is evident in these lines.
Why does the author describe Maguire working on the pier during this discussion? Please help.
1.two reasons why Molly Maguire is keen to have a fur coat?
2.Why paddy Maguire is so confident that Switzers will give them anything?
3.Two physical characteristics of Molly Maguire.
Is the action of paddy Maguire buying an expensive fur coat for molly justifiable??
Discuss your opinion on the relevance of the title.
1. Compare the ideas that paddy and molly have about the fur coat
2. Give a synonym of the word patch
1. Paddy wants Molly to get a coat at the cheapest cost. While Molly believes in getting something a little bit more expensive.
2. Repair or mend.
Why does molly bang the door after her?
In line 4-6 ( of course, of course, me dear, cried molly)
1. Identify the figure of speech?
2. Explain the meaning of the figure of speech.
3. Give one word that tells us that paddy likes molly?
What is the setting of the story?
paddy maguire’s attitude towards molly maguire?
what is the mood of the story ?
why do the narrator describe Molly as she was ‘handsome little woman’ instead of saying Beautiful ?
Mrs. molly does not only talk about the fur coat when she mentions her uncertainty, what other things is she talking about? “Quote from the context”
What event sparks the discussion about the fur coat
Was Maguire against his wife getting a fur coat?
What are Molly’s uncertainties?
Why was Paddy in jail?
Was Molly really looking for a fur coat?
Symbolism of the short?
sorry I mean the short story (The fur coat)..
What is the meaning of the tittle of the story “The Fur Coat.’
Why does molly bang the dooer after her?
1,”put the children into a cellar”wat is the figure of speech?
2.why the figure of speech is appropriate
3.why paddy is ” poring over maps and specifications?
4.what would molly want paddy to show when she looks ‘hopefully ‘
5.compare the ideas that paddy and molly have about the use of a fur coat
6.do you think molly’s behaviour is immature?
Tone of the story?
Discuss the irony in the women’s demand of a fur coat?
In your opinion, is Molly making a reasonable request in this short story ? Discuss your views.
Refer to line 19 ( Molly Maguire looked at him with affection and irritation.)
*explain both the literal and figurative meaning of these words.
I want to say can you plz help me because the are a lot question that I don’t understand to this story .
Can you please analysis the whole story for me.
Explain why it is ironic when Molly says she doesn’t want the fur coat just for the show
Hi guys, what manly feature does Molly in ‘The fur coat’ possess bcs it is said she is a handsome little woman?
Sorry what is “Wan of ye” in English
Why was Molly conflited about acquiring a fur coat?
Explain why Switzer’s would give the Maguire’s any amount of tick from now?
1 why does Molly bang the door after her?
2 Identify the figure of speech in ‘put the children….. Into a cellar?
3 Explain why this figure of speech is appropriate?
4 Explain why is ‘ poring over maps and specifications ‘?
5 what would molly want paddy to show when she looks’ hopefully ‘ at him?
6 Discuss the irony in what Molly says “because I don’t…….
About a fur coat
1. Why does Molly Maguire ask for a fur coat ?
2. What evidence is there in the extract that Molly has a hard life ? state two points
3. Using your OWN words, describe Paddy Maguire’s attitude towards Molly
4. Explain why Switzer’s would give the Maguires ‘any amount of tick from now on’
5. Quote three consecutive words to prove the following statements FALSE
The Maguires were wealthy prior to Paddys promotion
6. Refer to line 19 (”Molly Maguire looked … affection and irritation.”)
Explain why molly reveals mixed feelings
7. Refer to lines 19-20 (‘The years had polished her hand’)
Explain both literal and figurative meaning of these words
8. Identify and discuss one theme of the story which is evident in this extract
9. In your opinion, is Molly Maguire making a reasonable request in this extract ? discuss your view
Id really appreciate your reply on that
Thank you so much for the answers you’ve gave, they are of utmost help to me. I now fully understand the story. God bless you
What is suggested about the children’s bedtime when the writer says that they are thrown in bed like “sacks of turf”?
Explain the reason for Molly’s outburst
What does the fur coat symbolize?
What does the simile”…as if she were throwing sacks of turf” ?
what is pier
1was paddy against his wife getting a fur coat?
2what reasons does Molly give for getting a fur coat?
3What value does paddy see in a fur coat?
4what reasons does Molly have for not getting a fur coat?
5why does the author describe Maguire working on the pier during this discussion?
1. Paddy thinks it is expensive.
2. Other important woman have fur coats (deValera and Mulcahy’s wives).
3. I’m not sure.
4. She realises she doesn’t need it.
5. It’s his job. He is Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Roads and Railways.
1. What tells us that Molly had long desired to have the coat .?
2.Outline the evidence for answer number 1
3.Why would you say Molly is actually manipulating her husband.?
4 .how does paddy initially react to Molly’s request of the fur coat.?
5.what makes him view the request differently .?
6.would you agree that Molly is an extravagant woman .? Motivate your answer
1.What event brought on the discussion about fur Coat?
2.What value does paddy Maguire see in a fur coat?
1.what event brought on the discussion about fur coat?
2.Was Molly trying to convince Paddy that she needed a fur coat or was she trying to convince herself?Give reasons for your answer?
3.What value does Paddy Maguire see in a coat?
Thank you
Fur coat
2.13 according to your knowledge of the story, provide evidence that they are not financially sound
2.14 in your opinion,why is the husband reluctant to buy the coat
2.15 explain why is the word that in line 4 written in italics
2.16 identify the theme of the story
In line 2 what tone of voice would molly use in these line
Why would Molly’s tone be appropriate in these line
Explain the irony in Molly’s accusation
Why Paddy is poring over maps and specifications?
The fur coat,is inner conflict.
Can please discuss the theme
Paddy’s attitude towards Molly
What is meant by mean in context?
Molly may think Paddy is mean with money and does not want to spend his money on a fur coat for her.
“And i think that will satisfy you!” Why is this statement viewed as Sarcastic?
What causes the rising action in the story
Explain why Paddy is ‘poring over maps and specifications’?
Why is the following statement false? Molly eventually buys a fur coat with a check that Paddy gives.
Identify and Discuss the theme of the story
Quote 3 consecutive words to prove that the statement is false
The maguires were wealthy prior to paddy’ promotion
The time where their Was conflict And Resolution..? 4 Points Please
Describe paddy attitude towards molly?
‘The years had polished her hard’ explain the figurative and literal meaning of these words.
Figuratively O’Faolain is using a metaphor to suggest that Molly has been toughen by the years. She is not the same woman that she previously had been. The literal meaning is the years had taken away Molly’s shine or optimist outlook on life.
Quote three consecutive words to prove the ff statement is false?
*The Maguire were prior to paddy’s promotion
Two dairy entries as molly the night before she found the cheque on the dressing table and the morning after
The literal and figurative meaning of ” she had hit below the belt and they both knew it ” in line 16
What position they were in after paddy came out of prison
Describe Paddy Maguire’s attitude towards Molly Maguire !