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In "Eveline," how does Mr. Hill react to Frank's relationship with his daughter?

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Eveline's father forbids her from dating Frank saying, “I know these sailor chaps.” His concern for his daughter might be genuine, particularly considering the possibility that Frank was merely seducing the girl to sell her into some type of sexual slavery, as was common for girls from Ireland being sold off in places like Buenos Aires at the time. But, at the very least, sailors did not have the strongest reputation for their sexual morality. Another possibility is her father suffered from an extreme xenophobia. When his wife lie on her death bed, Mr. Hill became enraged with someone playing organ music outside. After paying for this person to stop, he strode back in the room saying, “Damn Italians! coming over here.” Perhaps this is part of the reason for his immediate rejection of Frank. Finally, there is also the possibility that Mr. Hill wants his daughter for himself, not for any sexual reasons, but because she brings home money that he takes and seems to use for his drinking habit.

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Mr. Hill is angry when he finds out about the relationship between Frank and his daughter, Eveline. He forbids Eveline to see Frank, and he warns her about 'sailor chaps.' Shortly after, Mr. Hill quarrels with Frank, which prompts the young lovers to meet each other in secret. In short, Mr. Hill's reaction to Frank is antagonistic and combative.

As the story continues, we discover that Eveline has been contemplating an elopement with Frank. The prospect of becoming Frank's wife and of finally becoming a respectable member of society is extremely attractive to Eveline. With her mother and brother (Ernest) deceased, Eveline looks forward to a new life away from her mercurial father. In earlier years, Eveline's brothers had borne the brunt of her father's violent abuse. Now, Eveline frequently finds herself in the cross-hairs of her father's explosive temper.

Knowing that her father distrusts and dislikes Frank, Eveline does not tell her father about her plans. Instead, she writes a letter to both her father and her brother, Harry. In the end, however, Eveline finds it difficult to leave the only home she has ever known.

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