Do Now

Do Now What do you know about Ireland or the Irish

people? With what stereotypes are they associated? What do you know of the country’s history or their feelings toward the English? Explain.

Angela’s Ashes

Frank McCourt

Ireland Irish culture is unique and is a huge part of

the novel’s plot. Vocabulary

Songs

History

Refer to your handout on the history of Ireland and the Great Depression’s effects in Ireland.

Ireland

Frank McCourt Angela’s Ashes follows Frank until he is 19

and leaves for America.

He was later drafted by the Army and spent time in Germany before returning to New York where he attended NYU and received his M.A. from Brooklyn College.

McCourt taught English at McKee High School and Stuyvesant High School in New York for almost 30 years before retiring and completing this memoir about his childhood.

Frank McCourt Angela’s Ashes was published in 1996 and

won the Pulitzer Prize, the ABBY (American Booksellers Book of the Year) Award, and the National Book Critics Circle Award.

Angela’s Ashes was adapted into a film in 1999.

McCourt published ’Tis (1999) and Teacher Man (2005) about his life after returning to America. Both became bestsellers.

McCourt died in 2009.

Themes The role of death

A mother’s burden

The divisions among social classes

The constraint of the Catholic Church

Irish sentiment toward the English

Warning There is sensitive subject material in this novel.

The story follows Frank through puberty, adolescence, and into adulthood.

The plot contains realistic stories about what males and females go through during these times in their lives.

However, it is no worse or more shocking than what you have encountered in movies and television by this point in your lives.

When it becomes necessary to discuss the importance of these events and how they relate to Frank’s development, I am sure you will all handle the discussion with maturity.

Classwork Complete classwork worksheet.

Homework Read Chapter I, Pages 11-22, and answer the

corresponding questions.

Do Now What are some of the hardships that

immigrants to America face? Describe.

Chapter I, Pages 11-22

Frank recalls “Limerick gained a reputation for piety, but we knew it was only the rain” (12). What does this mean?

Why do you think Frank McCourt does not use quotation marks to show when other people are speaking? Is this style helpful in telling his tale? Explain.

How does Malachy and Angela’s wedding come about? Does Malachy wed Angela willingly?

What symbolic significance is there to Frank’s thought, “Malachy has dog blood and the dog has Malachy blood” (20)?

What story does Frank’s father tell him that Frank considers his own? Why does he make such a claim to this story?




Do Now As a youngster, Frank is fascinated by heroes.

What purpose does their example serve?


Frank McCourt inserts songs and poems throughout his memoir. Why do you think he does this, and how might it help him tell his story?

Describe Angela, and explain how she changes in the first chapter. Is she a good mother? Is she what you would consider strong?




Do Now What can addiction do to a family? How does

it make life difficult?


In his book Grapes of Wrath, author John Steinbeck states “If you’re in trouble or hurt or need – go to poor people. They’re the only ones that’ll help – the only ones.” How is this idea exemplified in the first chapter of the book?

Do you think Philomena and Delia’s assistance is very helpful at the end of the first chapter? Is returning to Ireland a good idea?


Homework Read Chapter II, Pages 47-58, and answer the


Do Now What do you think would have made Frank’s

family life easier? What could his father and mother have done to provide a better life for their family?

Chapter II, Pages 47-58

When the McCourts are walking through the Irish countryside, Frank’s father speaks sharply to the children for the first time ever, startling them. What might this change in Malachy’s behavior signal? To whom do the children turn, and why?

Where do the McCourts spend the night before they take the train to Limerick? Do you think something like this would happen today? Why or why not?




Do Now Frank opens the book by saying that his

family should have stayed in New York. Seeing how desperate things are in Ireland, what might have been different for the McCourts had they stayed in America?

Chapter II, Pages 58-68 What kind of living conditions do the

McCourts find in Limerick? What in particular would you find most difficult about the situation?

What is a “souper”? What sort of connotation does this label have? Do you think it is a fair label? Why?

Many people in Limerick have trouble breathing and are constantly ill. Townspeople say they believe this is due to weak lungs, the dampness in the air, the River Shannon, and the ease with which consumptive diseases are spread. Do you think this is true, or are there other factors that might cause breathing and wellness issues?




Do Now How do you think it must feel to want to have

children and not be able to? Do you know anyone who has struggled with this problem? How did it affect him/her and his/her marriage? What are some modern solutions to this problem?


How do Grandma and Aunt Aggie treat the McCourt family? Which of the two do Frank and his siblings find more reliable?

What effect does Pa Keating have on the McCourt children and their father?

How are the McCourt children treated at school? What preconceived notions do the other children have about Americans?




Do Now Throughout Angela's Ashes, Malachy's

drinking goes from bad to worse and this deeply affects the family in a negative manner. Is Malachy's influence on his son purely negative, or does he make a positive impact as well?


Why is Frank upset with his father on Eugene’s funeral day? What is symbolic about what Malachy does with Eugene’s coffin?

How does Uncle Pat contrast with Malachy? What is he able to do, despite his shortcomings, that Malachy cannot?


Homework Read Chapter III, Pages 91-102, and answer

the corresponding questions.

Do Now How has losing children affected Angela?

How do you think losing a child affects a parent, and a family as a whole?

Chapter III, Pages 91-102

Why does Frank’s father have such difficulty finding work? What does he do on days he isn’t working?

What are the two worst things about the McCourts’ living situation on Barrack Hill? How does Malachy Sr. attempt to make the situation better? What else could he do that would help even more?

In what ways can Angela provide for the children that Malachy cannot? How is Malachy’s pride ironic?


Homework Read Chapter III, Pages 102-112, and answer


Do Now Discuss McCourt's experiences in school. Are

you surprised to learn he became a teacher? How do you think his experiences influenced him?

Chapter III, Pages 102-112

What effect does the “Angel on the Seventh Step” have on Frank?

What naïve preconceptions does Frank have about adults and how adults see the world?

Why do Frank and Malachy, Jr. reject Malachy, Sr.’s offer of the penny? What does it show about Frank and Malachy’s feelings toward their father?


Homework Read Chapter IV, Pages 113-123, and answer


Do Now Frank spent the first four years of his life in

the United States. How do his experiences in America affect Frank's years in Ireland?

Chapter IV, Pages 113-123

Consider Mikey Molloy’s predicament about being unable to take Communion. What does it say about the Catholic Church that he believes he is doomed to hell? How does this supposed damnation affect Mikey’s plans for his life?

Describe the relationship between student and teacher in Limerick, and point out the positive and negative aspects of this learning environment. Why doesn’t this environment exist today?

How does Frank show Paddy compassion on Page 121? What does this show about Frank?


Homework Read Chapter IV, Pages 123-131, and answer


Do Now Why do you think McCourt titled the memoir

Angela's Ashes? How would you describe his mother's presence in McCourt's childhood?

Chapter IV, Pages 123-131

Why is Frank terrified to go to his First Confession? What is the result of this confession?

Frank’s priest says “Books can be dangerous for children…” (127). Why do you think he feels this way?

How does Angela stand up for her son on his First Communion day? What favor does Mikey Molloy do for Frank at the end of the day?


Homework Read Chapter V, Pages 132-140, and answer


Do Now How does McCourt interject traditional Irish

rituals and mythology into Angela's Ashes?

Chapter V, Pages 132-140

Why is the poem “The Man from the North” so important to Angela? Why does it make her laugh and cry?

Why is Grandma reluctant to allow Bill Galvin to live in her house? Why are people from southern Ireland so suspicious of those from Northern Ireland? Why does Grandma relent?

On what addiction do Angela and Malachy always spend money, even if there is no tea or bread? What effect does this addiction have on them? What do they tell Frank and his brothers about picking up the habit?


Homework Read Chapter V, Pages 140-150, and answer


Do Now In what ways is Angela's Ashes uplifting

despite the sad situations in the story? How does McCourt produce hope through his writing?


Chapter V, Pages 140-150

How does the incident with Frank’s dancing offer comic relief?

What does Malachy attempt to teach Frank each night, and for what purpose? What happens at the church door, and why do you think the church reacts the way it does?

Homework Read Chapter VI, Pages 151-169, and answer


Do Now What do you think Angela misses about her

old life? Explain.

Chapter VI, Pages 151-169

Why do Paddy and Frank follow Fintan home for lunch? Why do they decide to skip school afterward, and where do they go? What two important things does Frank learn about his family later that night?

What potential do think Angela may have had for a better life? Based on what you learn of her here, what else could she have chosen for her life?


Homework Read Chapter VII, Pages 170-186, and answer


Do Now What role do Frank’s and his friends’

escapades play in establishing a sense of fun and vitality within the memoir? Explain.

Chapter VII, Pages 170-186

How does Frank feel about the Protestants that play croquet? What is the importance of Billy’s reply to Frank’s questions?

Whom does Frank meet while helping Uncle Pat deliver newspapers? In what ways does this chance meeting benefit Frank?

How do the other men in Frank’s life compare with his father? In what ways is Frank’s father lacking compared to the other men Frank knows?

What happens to Frank’s new brother before he is named? What does Angela eventually name the baby, and how does Frank feel about this name?


Homework Read Chapter VIII, Pages 187-206, and

answer the corresponding questions.

Do Now Why do you think Frank and members of his

family keep getting sick? What could they do to avoid illness? Is there anything they could do?

Chapter VIII, Pages 187-206

Who is “Quasimodo”? What does he hope to become, and how does he plan on raising the money to fulfill his dream? What happens when he puts his plan into action?

What effect does Patricia have on Frank during his recovery period? What about Seamus? Whom do you think is more important, and why?

What two effects from Frank’s long hospital visit have a drastic and negative impact on his life? How does he overcome each?


Homework Read Chapter VIII, Pages 207-215, and


Do Now What do you think McCourt’s primary

motivation was for writing his memoir? To earn the sympathy of his readers? To teach them something? Explain.

Chapter VIII, Pages 207-215

How does Mr. O’Halloran shock his students? Why do you think his actions are considered shocking?

McCourt writes: “I think my father is like the Holy Trinity with three people in him, the one in the morning with the paper, the one at night with the stories and prayers, and then the one who does the bad thing and comes home with the smell of whiskey and wants us to die for Ireland” (210). Was this your impression of Frank McCourt's father? How can Frank write about his father without bitterness? What part did Malachy play in creating the person that Frank eventually became?


Homework Read Chapter XI, Pages 216-224, and answer


Do Now Do you think it’s fair that Malachy wants

Angela to have more children? What does it tell you about the wife’s role in Irish culture?

Chapter IX, Pages 216-224

What is ironic about the way in which the Irish view their enemies in World War II?

How does Malachy initially feel about the war effort? What do you think changes his mind?


Homework Read Chapter IX, Pages 224-234, and answer


Do Now Will anything improve for the McCourts now

that Malachy is in England? Why or why not?

Chapter IX, Pages 224-234

Which old friends does Frank meet in the hospital when he receives treatment for his eyes? How is each encounter important to Frank?

Why is the doctor’s parting advice to Frank ironic?

How does Mr. Kane respond to Angela’s request for assistance for her family? What does his response tell you about the government’s view of the poor in Ireland?


Homework Read Chapter X, Pages 235-244, and answer


Do Now What do you think of Guard Dennehy’s

reaction to the McCourts’ living situation? What does it tell you about how they live?

Chapter X, Pages 235-244

How is Frank able to support his family when his father is in England and his mother is sick? How do the boys attract the attention of the police?

Discuss the differences in how Aunt Aggie and Pa Keating treat Frank and his brothers.


Homework Read Chapter X, Pages 245-251, and answer


Do Now How does the Catholic Church’s influence

make Frank feel guilty for things he’s done? How does this guilt affect him?

Chapter X, Pages 245-251

What effect does witnessing Angela begging for food have on Frank? What does he worry about?

Women – in particular mothers – play a significant role in Angela's Ashes. Recall the scenes between Angela and her children; the MacNamara sisters (Delia and Philomena) and Malachy; Aunt Aggie and young Frank; Angela and her own mother. In what ways do these interactions reflect the roles of women within their families? Discuss the ways in which Angela struggles to keep her family together in the most desperate of circumstances.


Homework Read Chapter XI, Pages 252-267, and answer


Do Now What street smarts are Frank’s friends

teaching him? How will these experiences affect him?

Chapter XI, Pages 252-267

What happens to Mikey, Frank, and Peter in the pub? Why do you think Frank believes Mikey? Do you think there is something more to Peter’s sudden and drastic decision?

Why does Frank want to keep working with Mr. Hannon? Why does Angela want him to stop? Which is more important? How does Mr. Hannon feel about Frank’s future?


Homework Read Chapter XII, Pages 268-278, and answer


Do Now What are the McCourts’ main struggles at this

point in the novel?

Chapter XII, Pages 268-278

How has Frank’s opinion of his father changed while Malachy has been away in England?

What are the positive and negative effects of Angela’s and Michael’s behavior on page 273?




Do Now How do you think Angela feels about having

to rely on other people to support her family? How would you feel?

Chapter XII, Pages 278-283

How does Frank’s family living with Cousin Laman benefit both the McCourts and Cousin Laman? What are the drawbacks for both sides?

In what ways has Frank’s family fallen apart by the end of Chapter XII?




Do Now Do you think it makes sense for Frank to want

to work? Or should he stay in school? Which would you prefer?

Chapter XIII, Pages 284-296

What is the significance in the moment when Angela stares into the ashes of the fire as Laman laughs in Chapter 13? What role have ashes played throughout the book thus far?

What advice does O’Halloran give Frank? Why? What comes from this advice, and why is Frank pleased with the result?

Why does Frank leave Laman’s house? Do you think this is the right decision? Is Frank’s new situation any better?


Homework Read Chapter XIV, Pages 297-308, and


Do Now What, if anything, could Angela do to improve

her family’s circumstances?

Chapter XIV, Pages 297-308

In what ways is Frank like his father in Chapter 14? In what ways does he act differently?

What does Frank learn about in this chapter? How does his upbringing make him feel guilty for his actions and knowledge?


Homework Read Chapter XV, Pages 309-325, and answer


Do Now In this chapter, Frank’s compassion for the

poor is seen. What does it tell about Frank as a person that he feels such sadness and empathy for the people to whom he delivers telegrams?

Chapter XV, Pages 309-325

Is the telegram job a good job for Frank? Why? What specific things does the telegram job allow him to do?

What are telegram workers never allowed to do? What does Frank wish he could do? What does this say about Frank?

Describe the relationship Frank has with Theresa. How does this relationship help and hurt Frank? Which do you think it did more?


Homework Read Chapter XVI, Pages 326-337, and


Do Now Why was Frank and Uncle Pa Keating’s

conversation about not taking the post office exam so important? How do you think it affects the rest of Frank’s life?

Chapter XVI, Pages 326-337

Why is Mr. Harrington upset, and what does Frank do to aggravate the situation? How does Frank eventually get his job back?

How does the memory of Theresa haunt Frank, and why does he put off confessing their relationship? What does this inner turmoil reveal about his character?

When dealing with Mrs. Finucane, how does Frank use his shrewdness in making money for his future trip to America?

Who thinks Frank should take the exam at the post office, and who does not? What reasons does each side give Frank? What does Frank ultimately do?


Homework Read Chapter XVII, Pages 338-353, and


Do Now In this chapter, Frank finally gains closure

about his relationship with Theresa, freeing him from years of guilt. How is this interaction with priest different than what Frank has experienced previously with the Catholic Church?

Chapter XVII, Pages 338-353

In what ways does Pa Keating attempt to behave like a father figure on Frank’s birthday? Would Pa make a good father? Why?

What happens when Frank comes home from the pub? Do you think he means what he says, or is it the alcohol speaking?

Analyze Frank’s discussion with the Franciscan priest. What does it reveal regarding Frank’s desires, and how does the discussion help Frank?

What emergency sends Frank to stores all across Limerick? Why is this such a major emergency for Easons? How do Frank and the other delivery boys profit from this emergency?


Homework Read Chapters XVIII and XIX, Pages 354-363,

and answer the corresponding questions.

Do Now What do you think will happen to Frank once

he gets to America? Explain.

Chapter XVIII and XIX, Pages 354-363

How does Frank’s family say good-bye? Whose contribution do you think Frank values the most?

How does the end of the book portray Americans? How do Americans seem to differ from the Irish? Why do you think this is?


Homework Bring three questions for tomorrow’s quiz

review.

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