Report
Report
The book is narrated by Frank McCourt. Frank lived with his family in New York. He parents were Angela and Malachy. His father was an alcoholic who spent most of his time and money in drinking. His mother struggles against all odds to provide for the family from her meager salary. After the death of his sister, Frank gets depression and decides to go to Ireland where more troubles followed them even in Ireland. The narrative revolves round a family that is surrounded by controversies. First, his father’s attempt to get a job gets thwarted when he moved to Ireland. Also his beloved sister passes on, an issue that created depression. Their poor living conditions further caused the death of the narrator’s twin brothers who died of pneumonia. The narrator’s grandmother feels sorry for her daughter and makes several attempts to help her.
Frank and younger brother, Melachy junior attend school just like other children. However, the narrator displayed a unique academic ability at school that left most of his classmates and teachers with surprise. When he fell sick, a female patient introduced her to Shakespeare where he got brilliant and encouraging words of advice that saw him succeed at school. His father left to work in a British factory so as to maintain his family. However, this was not forthcoming as the family gets deeper into poverty and had to rely mainly on grants and aids. In fact, Angela would sometimes beg at a church gate from good Samaritans to get something to feed her family. The worst part of their family life was when Frank had to steal milk and food from the neighboring houses. This happened when his mother fell sick and could no longer beg to support them. At an early age, Frank gets employed by his neighbor, Mr. Hannon to deliver coal, a job he does after school. He also delivers newspaper to his uncle, Ab, reads newspaper for Mr. Timoney. When he gets sacked, Frank opts to live with his cousin, Laman Griffin. The treatment he gets at from his cousin is something that he could not tolerate. His cousin turns into sleeping with Angela.
Frank’s meeting with Teresa completely changed his love life although this makes him feel guilty. Teresa finally died leaving Frank with a lot of depression. This would soon end when he managed to steal money from Mrs. Fineucne after her death. He uses this money as fare to go to his land of dream, America. On his arrival in America, he meets an American woman who he later gets to engage with.
- Poverty. This is state where an individual is unable to provide the basic human needs. This is clearly seen in Melachy’s family. Their economic stratus forces Frank to do odd jobs at a tender age. He even gets kinvolved in immoral acts like stealing, just to provide for the family. The death of his brothers comes as a result of poor living condition occasioned by poverty. His mother begs at the church to get something to feed the family.
- Another theme that clearly comes out in this book is sexual immorality. Frank’s cousin turns against his mother and sleeps with her, causing their separation. Also Frank sleeps with Teresa, a woman who is above his age, a fact that makes him guilty for a long time until he confesses in church.
- Another key theme in the book is health and nutrition. Frank’s brothers pass o because of poor living condition. This means that their health was compromised. He also falls sick of typhoid and gets hospitalized. His mother illness makes him go against his moral standard by stealing to support his family.
Frank has successfully narrated the novel and passed the theme very clearly. By using a first person narration gives his narrative a unique blend that makes it appealing to the public.
Also, the humor with which he presents the themes catches the readers’ attention, hence creates public appeal.
References
McCourt, F. ( 1999). Angela's Ashes.: A Memoir. New York: Simon + Schuster Incorporated,.
