ipl-logo

Frank Mccourt Essay

495 Words2 Pages

The narrator Frank McCourt tells how is parents meet in Brooklyn. The introductory paragraphs of this book distinguish frank the child telling this story, from McCourt, the grown man looking back on his life with an informed perspective. Franks younger sister margaret dies and his mother angela falls into a depression. His childhood could be described as one of poverty and deprivation but filled with humor and adventure. McCourts wry humor undercuts the bleakness of his early years , as he jokes a happy childhood “is hardly worth your while.”

Although angela tells the sergeant's wife that it feels good to be “back among our own,” she is clearly worried about her family’s future in Ireland. Angela decides to move her family from Harstonge …show more content…

Hannon.Frank’s anger at his father becomes more overt in these chapters. When he goes with his mother to meet Malachy at the train station and Malachy does not arrive, Frank says, “He’s not coming, Mam. He doesn’t care about us. He’s just drunk over there in England.” This statement is the bluntest, and most bitter, remark Frank has ever made about his father. Although Frank does not comment on Mr. O’Halloran’s actions, McCourt makes it clear to the reader that O’Halloran is an inspirational and good man with a keen sense of social injustice. In these final chapters, Frank comes to terms with his religion. He has a moment of painful honesty in front of the statue of St. Francis, when he expresses his anger at the unfairness of life, and the seeming futility of his prayers. He finally expresses anger at the church, but he also finally feels its capacity to heal. McCourt shows us that although the Catholic church may compound the guilt that Frank feels about his bad behavior, it also has the unparalleled power of forgiveness. When Frank goes to Confession and pours out his worries to the priest, he is forgiven and leaves the church with every burden lifted from his back. He is perfectly

Open Document