Angela's Ashes

8 Pages 2079 Words

Chapeter 1: Angela’s Ashes begins with Frank McCourt, the author and main character, explaining his family’s roots. You learn that he is dirt poor and his dad moves from Ireland to New York and back again because of prohibition. The father, whose name is Malachy, is disgusting alcoholic who seems to drink to escape the reality that he and his family is living in. You also find out that Frank’s mother, Angela, had the responsibility of taking care of all of the children in the house. He has a brother whose name is also Malachy and a pair of twins.
Chapter 2:
Once they return home to Ireland, they had no place to go so they moved in with some relatives. It was very upsetting to see the living conditions in which they were experiencing. Not only did all of them have to share a bed, but it was also flea ridden. Then, he went into the St. Vincent de Paul Society story and how they have to reject children from boots. It was really an eye opener when you read a story like this and then realize that these people do not know where their next meal is going to be. It makes you see how lucky we really are. The happiest part of the chapter was when the society gave Angela some money for food. As the chapter goes on you see that one of the twins, Oliver, dies. That part was difficult. Then Frank explains how they had to beg on the street for coal. Just when you think that things can not get any worse, they do. The other twin goes through depression and dies.
Chapter 3:
In chapter three, the McCourt family moves to another area named Roden Lane. They have no furniture but the Society provides them with some. Once again another thing that opened my eyes was they lived right next to the town bathroom and if that’s not bad enough, nobody cleans it. Christmas time rolls around and all the family can get is a pig’s head from begging. Maybe if the dad would stop drinking th...