Angela's Ashes Essay

"Angela's Ashes" is a novel published by Frank McCourt about his youth in America, specifically Limerick, Ireland. The McCourts were always poor, but Malachy, the family "leader", was prideful. With no money, Angela's newborn daughter, Margaret, died, prompting Angela to become depressed. Because of this sad tragedy, the McCourt family chose to return to Ireland, believing that their life would improve. Unfortunately, the opposite happened. Frank's younger brothers died of what they assumed was consumption a few days after they arrived in Ireland. But nothing improved after Angela had a miscarriage and Malachy wasted all the McCourt family's money on alcohol. Worse, Malachy was unable to secure a stable job to support the family. Despite these

For example, if the first floor of the house flooded in the winter, Angela and Malachy would leave the cold wetness of the first level, which they refer to as "Ireland," and go to the warm, comforting second floor, which they refer to as "Italy." Despite Malachy being liable, the rest of the McCourts enjoyed him and his presence. Frank goes through tough times as he becomes sick with typhoid and is hospitalized for months. Though, Frank gets introduced to Shakespeare in the hospital and falls in love with all of Shakespeare's stories and plays. He seeks solace in them. When Frank recovers, he returns to school, enraged that he is now in the same class as his brother. Frank's teacher notices his storytelling talent due to his love of Shakespearean language. He completes an assignment assigned to him by his teacher and impresses both him and the principal, prompting him to return to his old class with his friends. As WW2 comes along, Malachy leaves for work in England, to earn money for the family. Angela and her sons thought it was the start of a new chapter, but it was a disaster. Malachy did not send a single penny home to support his wife and

Timoney, the post office, Uncle Ab, Mrs. Finucane, and Mr. McCaffrey. He understands while working that he wants to return to America and live his life there. He also hopes to save enough money to provide food and clothing for his family. However, due to a lack of funds, Angela and her sons are forced to relocate and live with Angela's cousin Laman. Frank despised the idea, since he was doing unpleasant tasks, seeing his mother and Laman's affair, and so on. Having had enough, Frank initiates an argument with his mother regarding Laman, telling her that he knows she is sleeping with Laman. He hits his mother and chooses to leave, but not before feeling horrible for hurting his mother. Frank decides to stay at his Aunt Auggie's house and begins working on a temporary basis, earning less money than the regular employees. His Aunt also buys new work clothing for him too. Frank begins a relationship with Theresa Carmody while working as a mail carrier, who later dies of consumption, leaving Frank sad. Frank goes to church, feeling terrible about all that has