Dear Caityln and Neil,
The last few chapters of Angela's Ashes have been the most dramatic in my opinion. Then again, throughout the entire book, the situation of the Mccourts only seemed to be worstening more and more. But at this point in the reading, I almost feel like the Mccourts have adopted me (just what they need, another child) and I am suffering with them. Every hill they must climb I feel that I am climbing with them at this point. I don't even know where to begin as to how I felt while reading lately. I suppose I will start off with Frank's father, Malachy. It was a real struggle to read some points of these chapters, as I was just about ready to skip a few pages and pick up on a lighter note. But I knew that I need to recognize the pain the Mccourts are enduring. After all, the intent is to recognize how Irish culture affects the Mccourts. At this point, I know it does not need to be stated that Malachy is uncontrollably addicted to "the pint" as Frankie would call it. And this excessive addiction is severely damaging the living style of the Mccourts.
As you know, Malachy has traveled to England to work in a factory during the war, which the Mccourts saw as an amazing opportunity for better living conditions. Yet, Malachy lets his family down, yet, again. The irish citizens who are working in England ship their money back to the family every Friday. As everyone receives the pay from their husbands/fathers, the Mccourts wait every Friday, only to discover that there was no pay sent to thr Mccourts. Eventually, Mr. Downes, a neighbor who went to England with Malachy, arrives home for a funeral. "Mr. Downes says that Malachy Mccourt is gone pure mad with the drink, that he squanders his waes in pubs all over Coventry" (Mccourt 230). While reading this I wanted to scream out, "for the love of God Malachy, quit letting your family down"! For his oldest child's entire life, he has waisted all the moey he's earned from the jobs he could find on alcohol. Fianlly, when he's offered a job everyone in the time period would die for, he drinks all his wages! It breaks my heart to read these kind of chapters, it really does. But let's revisit the question I mentioned earlier. how does the Irish culture affect the Mccourts living style? Well, the Irish are typically depicted as heavy drinkers. I always thought such a depiction was stereotyping, but looking at Malachy, I'm not so sure anymore. What do you suppose the reason for his addiction is? If you do believe it is his Irish blood, why do you think the Irish are such heavy drinkers?
With Malachy in England, there is only Angela to take care of four children. Unfortunately, she is not handling the task exceptionally well. Frequently, she does not give the children a healthy environment. She is often depressed, or begging, or acting in some form of another odd manner. It was by far the worst when Frank describes his mother at the beginning of chapter 10, stating "Mam sits by the fire, shivering and we know something is wrong when she makes no move for a cigarette" (Mccourt 235). Could you imagine if this were your mother? I couldn't believe what I was reading. I feel even worse for the children then Angela. This image would leave me in tears, and I believe the Mccourt children share a similar feeling. Even worse from this dramatic image, Angela takes her begging for living supplies to a new level. She starts going to the priests house to try to win his leftover dinner! Dear Lord! I wouldn't know what to do if my mother ever did such a thing! I understand that the family is calling for desperate measures, but just out of dignity, I would never beg a priests for scraps! Poor Frankie and his brothers. Frankie says himself, "This is worse than the dole, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Dispensary" (Mccourt 250). Even Frankie recognizes the humiliation of it all. The book made me very grateful for the loving, caring parents that I have been gifted with. But nonetheless, there are times where I am ashamed of my parents, even if it is my fault for such a thought. Have you ever experienced such a moment like Frankie's with one of your parents?
Among dealing with the lack of a strong parenthood, Frank experiences multiple problems himself. First, he develops severe eye issues, as he gets an infection. the poor kid, he just can't catch a break. He gives a graphic description of the eyes (I was reluctant to include this quote), claiming "the sore spreads into my eyes and now they're red and yellow from the stuff that oozes and makes them stick in the morning" (Mccourt 224). Bleck! How gross! Yet, I feel rude critizing his appearance. He is trying to cope with a difficult problem, and here I am, disgusted by him. Alongside, he almost dies of the typhoid fever! But not on just any day; on his Confirmation day, right before his collection. This poor child, no money, and as he is ready to go out to collect lots of money, he is sent to the hospital. But not for a week, or a month, but for two months! Even when he is in the hospital, he befriends another patient, Patricia Maddigan, but she dies shortly after they meet. Frank Mccourt has come along way, and I feel like I don't have the right to complain ever again. Never have I had to put up with what he's endured so far. How about you? Do you stand with me? Or do you have other feelings?
Sincerely,
Patrick Gregorek
Monday, February 27, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
Patrick's response to Neil's second Reader Response
Dear Neil,
I believe that your analysis of Angela's stress is quite accurate. I feel the same sympathy you do towards her agony. I also have a feeling that her agony is affecting others in her household. Children notice when you are hallucinating, and frankly, it can't be a very positive environment for such young children. Nonetheless, she is able to find joy in her life, even when 3 of her children have died. I can't even imagine what it would be like for me if I were in her situation, and to be honest, I wan't to avoid the idea of it. All I will say is that you are completely right; Angela is a very strong woman. I would not have the strength to get up from my fall once 3 of my children have died. My grandparents are getting older, especially my father's parents, and the thought of them passing away causes me to get choked up. There is no measure to how much I love them and how much they mean to me. So if three of my children died, I'm not sure if I carry on in life. As far as the poverty the Mccourts are enduring, I agree with you. They have it real rough, especially with the bathroom behind their house to make matters worse. This is the image that comes to my head when I pictured the bathroom Frank spoke about: http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&biw=1024&bih=677&tbm=isch&tbnid=UxKf6k8ylW0XpM:&imgrefurl=http://www.cl-mtthabor.org/&docid=_2yJB0sxZMhYkM. Can you imagine having to live with 11 people using that to go to the bathroom BEHIND YOUR HOUSE!?!? Like you said, how on earth could someone live with that smell? or eat around it for that matter? But in my opinion, this does not compare to the pain they have to endure when their alcoholic father arrives home late because he spent all of his vital money at the pub. It makes me appreciate my father immensely. Never has my father ever set a bad example by letting me see him drunk. This is a comment coming from a middle-class teenager. Frank, a lower class child, can't say the same! The money his family needs to survive is being thrown away! this is what breaks my heart more than anything, excluding the death of Eugene, Oliver and Margaret. With that said, if I were Frank, and anyone ever made fun of me for my father or dead siblings, I wouldn't be able to control myself. I can tell you right now, I would attack them (if it were a boy) and beat them. I've been called names before and made fun of, but removing one of their dignity crosses the line to me. Also, you mention how you can relate to Frank's religion,as can I. Like you, I practice Roman Catholicism. Whenever I am in need or going through desperate times, I pray to Jesus. To be honest, I don't like to share my personal beliefs on religion too often, but I will say that I put all of my trust into Jesus, because I know he only wants to help me. In regard to my first Communion day, I will be honest, I remembering envying my friends who had already received it. Like in Angela's Ashes, they all received tons of money, and I only received gifts. Looking back, I will admit, that this was very greedy and spoiled of me. It made me feel a lot like Frank, who, like me, did not receive money.
Sincerely,
Patrick Gregorek
I believe that your analysis of Angela's stress is quite accurate. I feel the same sympathy you do towards her agony. I also have a feeling that her agony is affecting others in her household. Children notice when you are hallucinating, and frankly, it can't be a very positive environment for such young children. Nonetheless, she is able to find joy in her life, even when 3 of her children have died. I can't even imagine what it would be like for me if I were in her situation, and to be honest, I wan't to avoid the idea of it. All I will say is that you are completely right; Angela is a very strong woman. I would not have the strength to get up from my fall once 3 of my children have died. My grandparents are getting older, especially my father's parents, and the thought of them passing away causes me to get choked up. There is no measure to how much I love them and how much they mean to me. So if three of my children died, I'm not sure if I carry on in life. As far as the poverty the Mccourts are enduring, I agree with you. They have it real rough, especially with the bathroom behind their house to make matters worse. This is the image that comes to my head when I pictured the bathroom Frank spoke about: http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&biw=1024&bih=677&tbm=isch&tbnid=UxKf6k8ylW0XpM:&imgrefurl=http://www.cl-mtthabor.org/&docid=_2yJB0sxZMhYkM. Can you imagine having to live with 11 people using that to go to the bathroom BEHIND YOUR HOUSE!?!? Like you said, how on earth could someone live with that smell? or eat around it for that matter? But in my opinion, this does not compare to the pain they have to endure when their alcoholic father arrives home late because he spent all of his vital money at the pub. It makes me appreciate my father immensely. Never has my father ever set a bad example by letting me see him drunk. This is a comment coming from a middle-class teenager. Frank, a lower class child, can't say the same! The money his family needs to survive is being thrown away! this is what breaks my heart more than anything, excluding the death of Eugene, Oliver and Margaret. With that said, if I were Frank, and anyone ever made fun of me for my father or dead siblings, I wouldn't be able to control myself. I can tell you right now, I would attack them (if it were a boy) and beat them. I've been called names before and made fun of, but removing one of their dignity crosses the line to me. Also, you mention how you can relate to Frank's religion,as can I. Like you, I practice Roman Catholicism. Whenever I am in need or going through desperate times, I pray to Jesus. To be honest, I don't like to share my personal beliefs on religion too often, but I will say that I put all of my trust into Jesus, because I know he only wants to help me. In regard to my first Communion day, I will be honest, I remembering envying my friends who had already received it. Like in Angela's Ashes, they all received tons of money, and I only received gifts. Looking back, I will admit, that this was very greedy and spoiled of me. It made me feel a lot like Frank, who, like me, did not receive money.
Sincerely,
Patrick Gregorek
Neil's Response to Caitlyn's Second Reader Response
Dear Caitlyn,
I agree that the Irish people care about their family completely. My own father, a true Irishman, is as far from a heavy drinker as possible and does everything for the better of our family. In Malachy Srs. case, I believe that he definately cares a lot about his family. After all, at their Christmas dinner, Frank says how his father "eats a small slice of the pig's cheek and a leaf of cabbage and leaves the rest on his plate for Malachy and me" (McCourt 101). What a great father, don't you think? His drinking problem isn't intentional, but because it is an addiction, his body won't let him stop. This organization explains the position he is in and why it is so hard to quit drinking when you have an addiction: http://howistoppeddrinking.org/when-you-are-addicted-to-alcohol-explaining-your-addiction-to-your-family-and-friends I completely agree; I was mystified by Mikey and the Angel of the Seventh Step. I wonder if a neighbor dropped it off, or God just felt that they should be given another miracle. Once again, I don't know how to answer your question correctly, only to take a guess. Have you ever felt a little sick one day and decided to stay home from school? Oh, and that day you just so happened to have a really hard test. But the next day looked good, so "you felt better." I think that is what happened to Angela. I think Catholics became made at these "soupers" because they felt such a strong devotion to their religion, and to watch people leave it angered them. These "devoted Catholics" probably figured that God would take care of them, even through the famine, and that leaving now would betray Him. I don't know if I would be a souper or devoted Catholic, but I would hopefully be a devoted Catholic. I would probably judge the soupers becuase I would be raised to. Regarding Mr. Timoney, I do think that he is a bit mentally unstable. However, there are some stories that we all love to hear time and time again, even if we know them by heart. For example, I can quote every single line of the movie Elf, but love to watch it time and time again. Do you get that? I hope I helped.
Yours truly,
Neil J.
I agree that the Irish people care about their family completely. My own father, a true Irishman, is as far from a heavy drinker as possible and does everything for the better of our family. In Malachy Srs. case, I believe that he definately cares a lot about his family. After all, at their Christmas dinner, Frank says how his father "eats a small slice of the pig's cheek and a leaf of cabbage and leaves the rest on his plate for Malachy and me" (McCourt 101). What a great father, don't you think? His drinking problem isn't intentional, but because it is an addiction, his body won't let him stop. This organization explains the position he is in and why it is so hard to quit drinking when you have an addiction: http://howistoppeddrinking.org/when-you-are-addicted-to-alcohol-explaining-your-addiction-to-your-family-and-friends I completely agree; I was mystified by Mikey and the Angel of the Seventh Step. I wonder if a neighbor dropped it off, or God just felt that they should be given another miracle. Once again, I don't know how to answer your question correctly, only to take a guess. Have you ever felt a little sick one day and decided to stay home from school? Oh, and that day you just so happened to have a really hard test. But the next day looked good, so "you felt better." I think that is what happened to Angela. I think Catholics became made at these "soupers" because they felt such a strong devotion to their religion, and to watch people leave it angered them. These "devoted Catholics" probably figured that God would take care of them, even through the famine, and that leaving now would betray Him. I don't know if I would be a souper or devoted Catholic, but I would hopefully be a devoted Catholic. I would probably judge the soupers becuase I would be raised to. Regarding Mr. Timoney, I do think that he is a bit mentally unstable. However, there are some stories that we all love to hear time and time again, even if we know them by heart. For example, I can quote every single line of the movie Elf, but love to watch it time and time again. Do you get that? I hope I helped.
Yours truly,
Neil J.
Caitlyn's response to Patrick's Second Reader Response
Dear Patrick,
I share the same feelings about the mood throughout the story. Also, in relation to the specific terms used, many different cultures use different things. In Italian culture, the word Nani means grandmother, which is what I used to use for my mother's mother. Also, according to http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/och, "Och" is a Scottish and Irish term used to show surprise, anger, or frustration. On the topic of racism, it is almost sad to see that this has been going on for centuries. I feel like racism is a way that people express their opinions. My Nani once taught me that there are times to express opinions and there are times where you should just keep quiet, and I feel like if everyone lived by that, there wouldn't be any sort of prejudice or racism in the world. In my opinion., the group that is judged the most is the African population. For centuries, they have been persecuted by the Caucasian group, when in reality, they have done nothing wrong. Also, with the schooling system in 1930's Ireland, there were no laws set against teacher brutality. The school system felt that physical punishment was the only way to reform young men to become better overall. I have read other novels that involve physical punishments in school, and back in those days, it was the only way to punish children. This was okay to them, even though we cringe at it today. Finally, as to the strictness level of parents, I feel like the parents need to enforce their rules, but they also need to be a little lenient so their children can learn from their mistakes. My mother, who I grew up with, was like this. She let me explore, but also held an iron grip on the rules.
Sincerely,
Caitlyn
I share the same feelings about the mood throughout the story. Also, in relation to the specific terms used, many different cultures use different things. In Italian culture, the word Nani means grandmother, which is what I used to use for my mother's mother. Also, according to http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/och, "Och" is a Scottish and Irish term used to show surprise, anger, or frustration. On the topic of racism, it is almost sad to see that this has been going on for centuries. I feel like racism is a way that people express their opinions. My Nani once taught me that there are times to express opinions and there are times where you should just keep quiet, and I feel like if everyone lived by that, there wouldn't be any sort of prejudice or racism in the world. In my opinion., the group that is judged the most is the African population. For centuries, they have been persecuted by the Caucasian group, when in reality, they have done nothing wrong. Also, with the schooling system in 1930's Ireland, there were no laws set against teacher brutality. The school system felt that physical punishment was the only way to reform young men to become better overall. I have read other novels that involve physical punishments in school, and back in those days, it was the only way to punish children. This was okay to them, even though we cringe at it today. Finally, as to the strictness level of parents, I feel like the parents need to enforce their rules, but they also need to be a little lenient so their children can learn from their mistakes. My mother, who I grew up with, was like this. She let me explore, but also held an iron grip on the rules.
Sincerely,
Caitlyn
Caitlyn's Second Reader Response
Dear Neil and Patrick,
With chapters three through seven of Angela's Ashes, many questions were raised that I have not been able to answer by using the text provided. Most of them are questions about the morals of the McCourt family. The first question that was apparent concerns Malachy, the father. In the beginning of this section, it seems like he is making a change for the better, working out on the farms in Limerick, Ireland. In order to make some money, "he asks farmers if they need any help, that he he grew up on a farm and can do anything. If they hire him he goes to work right away with his cap on and his collar and tie" (McCourt 94-95). Then once he leaves the farms, "he takes the farm money to the pub and drinks it" (McCourt 95). Malachy knows that at home, his wife and children are starving, but he goes to the pub anyway. My biggest question is if he knows that his family is starving, and he's already lost three children to sickness and hunger, why go throw away the money that he could use to buy food? Why waste it on drinking? Even though the Irish culture is stereotyped as heavy drinkers, they care about their family more. Why doesn't Malachy seem to care?
Another important question I found was concerning the new baby, Michael. McCourt said that, "the angel that brought Margaret and the twins comes again and brings us another brother, Michael" (McCourt 102). Malachy goes downstairs one day in the house and finds Michael laying there on the seventh step from the top. What I want to know is where Michael came from. How could he appear in the house without any of the family noticing? Also, who put him on the step? These questions stick out to me, and I cannot seem to answer them.
The next question I have is about Angela, the mother. Near the middle of this section, she complains of severe back pains, which force her to stay in bed all day. Yet in one point, on a Friday, a miracle happens. McCourt explains that that day is Friday, and, "Friday is payday and Mam is out of bed early, cleaning the house and singing" (McCourt 108). If she has so many problems with her back, how is she walking around the house cleaning? Shouldn't she be in bed resting her back?
Next, there is one incident that involves religion and judgement. There is a story about the Great Famine in Ireland, and how some Catholics turned Protestant in order to get more soup to eat. These people are called "soupers", and it is said, " it's a terrib.le thing to be a souper because you're doomed forever to the souper part of hell" (McCourt 133). If the families here in Ireland are brought up to be rightful Catholic people, why do they judge others based on their actions? If these "soupers" has large families, it would seem like their choice was logical. As a reader, what would you have done in that situtaion back in the Famine? And in the time period that the novel is set in, would you judge the others as well based on their life or death decisions?
Lastly, Mr. Timoney poses a question to me based on his sanity. When Frank is delivering newspapers for his Uncle Pat, he meets a man named Mr. Timoney. Mr. Timoney hires Frank so that Frank can read to him every Saturday morning for sixpence. On his first day there, Frank is told by Mr. Timoney to, "Look in the back for another thing, A Modest Proposal. Read that to me. It begins, It is a melancholy object to those who walk...Do you have that? I have the whole bloody thing in my head but I still want you to read to me" (McCourt 176). If Mr. Timoney already knows the novel by heart, why bother to have a random neighborhood kid come in and read it to him? As a reader, did you find this strange as well?
Did you have as many questions as I did? Were you able to answer these questions?
Sincerely,
Caitlyn
With chapters three through seven of Angela's Ashes, many questions were raised that I have not been able to answer by using the text provided. Most of them are questions about the morals of the McCourt family. The first question that was apparent concerns Malachy, the father. In the beginning of this section, it seems like he is making a change for the better, working out on the farms in Limerick, Ireland. In order to make some money, "he asks farmers if they need any help, that he he grew up on a farm and can do anything. If they hire him he goes to work right away with his cap on and his collar and tie" (McCourt 94-95). Then once he leaves the farms, "he takes the farm money to the pub and drinks it" (McCourt 95). Malachy knows that at home, his wife and children are starving, but he goes to the pub anyway. My biggest question is if he knows that his family is starving, and he's already lost three children to sickness and hunger, why go throw away the money that he could use to buy food? Why waste it on drinking? Even though the Irish culture is stereotyped as heavy drinkers, they care about their family more. Why doesn't Malachy seem to care?
Another important question I found was concerning the new baby, Michael. McCourt said that, "the angel that brought Margaret and the twins comes again and brings us another brother, Michael" (McCourt 102). Malachy goes downstairs one day in the house and finds Michael laying there on the seventh step from the top. What I want to know is where Michael came from. How could he appear in the house without any of the family noticing? Also, who put him on the step? These questions stick out to me, and I cannot seem to answer them.
The next question I have is about Angela, the mother. Near the middle of this section, she complains of severe back pains, which force her to stay in bed all day. Yet in one point, on a Friday, a miracle happens. McCourt explains that that day is Friday, and, "Friday is payday and Mam is out of bed early, cleaning the house and singing" (McCourt 108). If she has so many problems with her back, how is she walking around the house cleaning? Shouldn't she be in bed resting her back?
Next, there is one incident that involves religion and judgement. There is a story about the Great Famine in Ireland, and how some Catholics turned Protestant in order to get more soup to eat. These people are called "soupers", and it is said, " it's a terrib.le thing to be a souper because you're doomed forever to the souper part of hell" (McCourt 133). If the families here in Ireland are brought up to be rightful Catholic people, why do they judge others based on their actions? If these "soupers" has large families, it would seem like their choice was logical. As a reader, what would you have done in that situtaion back in the Famine? And in the time period that the novel is set in, would you judge the others as well based on their life or death decisions?
Lastly, Mr. Timoney poses a question to me based on his sanity. When Frank is delivering newspapers for his Uncle Pat, he meets a man named Mr. Timoney. Mr. Timoney hires Frank so that Frank can read to him every Saturday morning for sixpence. On his first day there, Frank is told by Mr. Timoney to, "Look in the back for another thing, A Modest Proposal. Read that to me. It begins, It is a melancholy object to those who walk...Do you have that? I have the whole bloody thing in my head but I still want you to read to me" (McCourt 176). If Mr. Timoney already knows the novel by heart, why bother to have a random neighborhood kid come in and read it to him? As a reader, did you find this strange as well?
Did you have as many questions as I did? Were you able to answer these questions?
Sincerely,
Caitlyn
Neil's Second Reader Response
Dear Caitlyn and Patrick,
In chapters three through seven, I am again noticing that the McCourt family can't catch a break, and they are continuously being weakened by the many hardships they have. However, there are once again small miracles and the occasional joyful moment that makes their hard lives a bit more bearable. I feel horrible for Angela who is undergoing post-traumatic stress syndrome when she hallucinates seeing Oliver and Eugene talking with each other. This causes the family to move once again to a small home on Roden Lane. Frank explains to the reader, saying, "She sees him (Eugene) climbing the bed to look out at the street for Oliver and sometimes she sees Oliver outside and Eugene inside, the two of them chatting away" (McCourt 91). I think that Angela has seen too many of her children die, and she is most likely filled with guilt and sadness which are driving her near insanity. She recognizes this problem and knows she must move out before she needs to seek mental treatment, which is a smart idea. If I were in Angela's position, I think I would be even worse off than she is- Angela is an incredibly strong woman, which Frank is obviously trying to get across to the reader. After all, the book is called Angela's Ashes. How do you think you would react to the death of three of your children in a short span of time?
The McCourt family is also undergoing many hardships because of their poverty. Just as they finish moving their secondhand furniture from all the way across Limerick and become satisfied with their home, they find that the lavoratory in their backyard is for eleven families which will smell bloody awful. They can't clean it either because they are too poor to afford coal to boil water needed to wash it. Can you imagine the smell you'd have to endure from a bathroom that is never cleaned and is used by over fourty people? These days, we complain about foul smells- yet these are temporary and usually stay in the bathroom. The McCourts had to smell this all day long; I don't know how they would be able to function. Breathing would be nauseating and they probably would not even want to eat with a smell like that in the air; I know I wouldn't! And as soon as he gets a job, Malachy Sr. returns to drinking his money away, which makes it much harder than it should be for the family. Frank said, "If he sings Roddy McCorley, it means he had only the price of a pint or two. If he sings Kevin Barry, it means he had a good day, that he is now falling down drunk and ready to get us out of bed..." (McCourt 95). The last paragraph on page 95 also gives horrifying imagery for the reader that also shows the family's poverty. Then, the boys are made fun of at school because they are so poor, which they obviously cannot help. Can you imagine being made fun of because your father is a drunk who can't support the family and you've lost three siblings in the past year?
Through the text, I am able to relate the McCourt's religious life to my own. The "angel of the seventh step" gives Frank and his family faith and trust in what is to happen. In fact, Frank believes this angel is always there and waiting to help him. He says, "I sit on the seventh step a long time and I'm sure the angel is there. I tell him all the things you can't tell your mother or father for fear of being hit on the head or told go out and play" (McCourt 106). This angel, whether real or imagined, helps Frank in his times of need. I think of the angel as a friend, a loved one, that you can trust through thick and thin. In my religion, Roman Catholicism, we also believe in angels like these; Frank is also Roman Catholic. Angels and saints watch over us, protect us, help us, and bless throughout our daily lives. Different saints and angels serve for different purposes. The McCourt's angel of the seventh step is like the angels and saints I pray to for guidance and other purposes, just as Frank does. When I pray, I also pray to the guardian angel, saying:
Angel of God,
my guardian dear,
to whom God's love commits me here,
ever this night,
be at my side
to light and guard,
to rule and guide.
Amen.
Frank may say a similar pray, but because of cultural differences, it may not be exactly the same. Do you have a religious figure(s) or human that you go to for help? Why can you trust them?
I also remember my First Communion like Frank did, but again there were differences because of how culture shapes us. During preparation, I learned more about my faith, who I was called to be, and how I should act, just as Frank was. However, Frank says, "The master says it's a glorious thing to die for the Faith and Dad says it's a glorious thing to die for Ireland..." (McCourt 113). I was not taught this until I was much older and much mature, which shows how culture shapes our identity. Ireland was more crude and blunt than today's America; we are not hit when we make mistakes, and it is okay to mess up. Okay, now getting back to religion. I also looked forward to getting money and presents on the day of my First Communion and almost missed the entire point of it. You both made your First Communion, I know that much. What can you recall from that day? I also made my First Reconciliation before my First Communion, yet in Ireland, they had that flip-flopped. Do you notice any other main differences between your faith experience and Franks? Happy reading!
Yours truly,
Neil J.
In chapters three through seven, I am again noticing that the McCourt family can't catch a break, and they are continuously being weakened by the many hardships they have. However, there are once again small miracles and the occasional joyful moment that makes their hard lives a bit more bearable. I feel horrible for Angela who is undergoing post-traumatic stress syndrome when she hallucinates seeing Oliver and Eugene talking with each other. This causes the family to move once again to a small home on Roden Lane. Frank explains to the reader, saying, "She sees him (Eugene) climbing the bed to look out at the street for Oliver and sometimes she sees Oliver outside and Eugene inside, the two of them chatting away" (McCourt 91). I think that Angela has seen too many of her children die, and she is most likely filled with guilt and sadness which are driving her near insanity. She recognizes this problem and knows she must move out before she needs to seek mental treatment, which is a smart idea. If I were in Angela's position, I think I would be even worse off than she is- Angela is an incredibly strong woman, which Frank is obviously trying to get across to the reader. After all, the book is called Angela's Ashes. How do you think you would react to the death of three of your children in a short span of time?
The McCourt family is also undergoing many hardships because of their poverty. Just as they finish moving their secondhand furniture from all the way across Limerick and become satisfied with their home, they find that the lavoratory in their backyard is for eleven families which will smell bloody awful. They can't clean it either because they are too poor to afford coal to boil water needed to wash it. Can you imagine the smell you'd have to endure from a bathroom that is never cleaned and is used by over fourty people? These days, we complain about foul smells- yet these are temporary and usually stay in the bathroom. The McCourts had to smell this all day long; I don't know how they would be able to function. Breathing would be nauseating and they probably would not even want to eat with a smell like that in the air; I know I wouldn't! And as soon as he gets a job, Malachy Sr. returns to drinking his money away, which makes it much harder than it should be for the family. Frank said, "If he sings Roddy McCorley, it means he had only the price of a pint or two. If he sings Kevin Barry, it means he had a good day, that he is now falling down drunk and ready to get us out of bed..." (McCourt 95). The last paragraph on page 95 also gives horrifying imagery for the reader that also shows the family's poverty. Then, the boys are made fun of at school because they are so poor, which they obviously cannot help. Can you imagine being made fun of because your father is a drunk who can't support the family and you've lost three siblings in the past year?
Through the text, I am able to relate the McCourt's religious life to my own. The "angel of the seventh step" gives Frank and his family faith and trust in what is to happen. In fact, Frank believes this angel is always there and waiting to help him. He says, "I sit on the seventh step a long time and I'm sure the angel is there. I tell him all the things you can't tell your mother or father for fear of being hit on the head or told go out and play" (McCourt 106). This angel, whether real or imagined, helps Frank in his times of need. I think of the angel as a friend, a loved one, that you can trust through thick and thin. In my religion, Roman Catholicism, we also believe in angels like these; Frank is also Roman Catholic. Angels and saints watch over us, protect us, help us, and bless throughout our daily lives. Different saints and angels serve for different purposes. The McCourt's angel of the seventh step is like the angels and saints I pray to for guidance and other purposes, just as Frank does. When I pray, I also pray to the guardian angel, saying:
Angel of God,
my guardian dear,
to whom God's love commits me here,
ever this night,
be at my side
to light and guard,
to rule and guide.
Amen.
Frank may say a similar pray, but because of cultural differences, it may not be exactly the same. Do you have a religious figure(s) or human that you go to for help? Why can you trust them?
I also remember my First Communion like Frank did, but again there were differences because of how culture shapes us. During preparation, I learned more about my faith, who I was called to be, and how I should act, just as Frank was. However, Frank says, "The master says it's a glorious thing to die for the Faith and Dad says it's a glorious thing to die for Ireland..." (McCourt 113). I was not taught this until I was much older and much mature, which shows how culture shapes our identity. Ireland was more crude and blunt than today's America; we are not hit when we make mistakes, and it is okay to mess up. Okay, now getting back to religion. I also looked forward to getting money and presents on the day of my First Communion and almost missed the entire point of it. You both made your First Communion, I know that much. What can you recall from that day? I also made my First Reconciliation before my First Communion, yet in Ireland, they had that flip-flopped. Do you notice any other main differences between your faith experience and Franks? Happy reading!
Yours truly,
Neil J.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Patrick's Second Reader Response
Dear Caitlyn and Neil,
One thing I've realized about Angela's Ashes is that it deals with large changes in the mood of the text. One minute you might be reading an incident Frank encountered that is about to make you break out into tears of agony; the next minute you could be reading something that happened that makes you break out into tears of laughter. Regardless of the mood Frank Mccourt writes in, it is quite evident that all of the events he experiences are shaped by his Irish culture. I don't think my life as an American is anywhere near Frank Mccourt's. For starters, have you noticed that he uses very unique vocabulary and phrases? I can't tell you how many times I've read him saying "Mam," or his father saying "Och" or "Och, aye," or when Frank attempts to attack Declan Collopy, and Declan calls him a "mad, feckin' eejit" (Mccourt 177). Yet, I can relate quite similarly. I refer to my Polish grandfather as dziadzio, which is Polish for grandpa, and I refer to my grandmother as babcia, Polish for grandma. Do you have any distinct terms you use that derive from your ethnicity? And do you have any idea what "Och" or "Och, aye" means?
As unique as the Irish culture is, which is quite evident throughout this novel, it is interesting to see similarities it shares with other cultures. For example, the citizens of Limerick, where Frank's family lives in the book, are very prejudice towards Malachy, Frank's father. Frank mentions in the book that Malachy frequently applies for jobs, "but when he opens his mouth and they hear the North of Ireland accent, they take a Limerickman instead" (Mccourt 94). Because Malachy is from the North of Ireland, he has difficulty getting a job, along with his struggle to show up to work on time because of his alcohol addiction. I decided to research why they are prejudice towards the Northern Irish, and I found out that this is because Northern Ireland is actually part of England, which who had a long rivalry with Ireland . Likewise, in our society, there are particular races that are treated unfairly among the rests of society. Unfortunately, their are several people in our country that are still racists towards black people. Not to mention Muslims are often depicted as a threat to our country, only because of the small group that caused the plane crash on 9/11/2001. What are your views of racism? What other groups of people do you know that are treated differently from everybody else?
One radically different element of American and Irish culture is the schooling system. Reading about the Irish schooling left me with my jaw-dropped. I couldn't believe what I was reading! One of Frank's masters, or teachers, makes the threat that "if he hears a single boy in this class asking foolish questions or talking about The Collection again he'll flog that boy till the blood spurts" (Mccourt 119). Can you imagine what would happen if one of your teacher's wacked you with a rod so hard that you bled, just for asking a foolish question?!?! I don't even know where to begin! First off, he/she would obviously go straight to jail or the Adult Correctional Institute (ACI) on account of child abuse. But what if it were okay, like it was in Ireland, at least during Frank Mccourt's childhood? I wouldn't have the courage to get out of bed every morning. I wouldn't be able to stay calm during the school day. Oddly enough, something about this type of discipline enforcement somewhat pleases me. I can't stand it when there's that student in class that is very disrespectful towards the teacher, yelling out in class, talking over the teacher, trying to act as if they have authority over the teacher. The reason they never stop is because their parents don't keep them in-line, and all that ever happens is a mere scowl from the teacher or having to stay after class for 15 minutes. I guarantee that if they were hit so hard that they bled, and they cried in front of the entire class like a baby, they'd never act up again. What was your reaction to the Irish schools' disciplinary actions?
I feel that as the course of the book progresses, Frank's parents are beginning to fail in keeping him out of trouble. There are multiple instances that support my claim. First, when Frank's parents tell him he will start dancing, he goes to classes for a short period of time, and soon, he starts taking the money he is supposed to pay the dance teacher with and he goes to the movies and buys toffee. The pattern continues for a long period of time, and when his parents find out he states "Dad doesn't care about my tooth or anything. He says I'm going to confession and drags me over to the Redemptorist church" (Mccourt 144). Frank received no further punishment, which indicates he will soon misbehave yet again, because he does not fear punishment. Likewise, he skips school one day with his friend Paddy Clohessy, and to evade his parents, goes home with Paddy. When his mother finally finds him, once again, she does not care, and he receives no punishment. I feel that when children lack punishment, it results in unhealthy future behavior. I know that this was never a problem for me, as my parents frequently scolded me for the smallest of acts. Do you believe it is best for a parent to be very strict, or passive? What kind of parents have you grown up with?
Yours Truly,
Patrick Gregorek
One thing I've realized about Angela's Ashes is that it deals with large changes in the mood of the text. One minute you might be reading an incident Frank encountered that is about to make you break out into tears of agony; the next minute you could be reading something that happened that makes you break out into tears of laughter. Regardless of the mood Frank Mccourt writes in, it is quite evident that all of the events he experiences are shaped by his Irish culture. I don't think my life as an American is anywhere near Frank Mccourt's. For starters, have you noticed that he uses very unique vocabulary and phrases? I can't tell you how many times I've read him saying "Mam," or his father saying "Och" or "Och, aye," or when Frank attempts to attack Declan Collopy, and Declan calls him a "mad, feckin' eejit" (Mccourt 177). Yet, I can relate quite similarly. I refer to my Polish grandfather as dziadzio, which is Polish for grandpa, and I refer to my grandmother as babcia, Polish for grandma. Do you have any distinct terms you use that derive from your ethnicity? And do you have any idea what "Och" or "Och, aye" means?
As unique as the Irish culture is, which is quite evident throughout this novel, it is interesting to see similarities it shares with other cultures. For example, the citizens of Limerick, where Frank's family lives in the book, are very prejudice towards Malachy, Frank's father. Frank mentions in the book that Malachy frequently applies for jobs, "but when he opens his mouth and they hear the North of Ireland accent, they take a Limerickman instead" (Mccourt 94). Because Malachy is from the North of Ireland, he has difficulty getting a job, along with his struggle to show up to work on time because of his alcohol addiction. I decided to research why they are prejudice towards the Northern Irish, and I found out that this is because Northern Ireland is actually part of England, which who had a long rivalry with Ireland . Likewise, in our society, there are particular races that are treated unfairly among the rests of society. Unfortunately, their are several people in our country that are still racists towards black people. Not to mention Muslims are often depicted as a threat to our country, only because of the small group that caused the plane crash on 9/11/2001. What are your views of racism? What other groups of people do you know that are treated differently from everybody else?
One radically different element of American and Irish culture is the schooling system. Reading about the Irish schooling left me with my jaw-dropped. I couldn't believe what I was reading! One of Frank's masters, or teachers, makes the threat that "if he hears a single boy in this class asking foolish questions or talking about The Collection again he'll flog that boy till the blood spurts" (Mccourt 119). Can you imagine what would happen if one of your teacher's wacked you with a rod so hard that you bled, just for asking a foolish question?!?! I don't even know where to begin! First off, he/she would obviously go straight to jail or the Adult Correctional Institute (ACI) on account of child abuse. But what if it were okay, like it was in Ireland, at least during Frank Mccourt's childhood? I wouldn't have the courage to get out of bed every morning. I wouldn't be able to stay calm during the school day. Oddly enough, something about this type of discipline enforcement somewhat pleases me. I can't stand it when there's that student in class that is very disrespectful towards the teacher, yelling out in class, talking over the teacher, trying to act as if they have authority over the teacher. The reason they never stop is because their parents don't keep them in-line, and all that ever happens is a mere scowl from the teacher or having to stay after class for 15 minutes. I guarantee that if they were hit so hard that they bled, and they cried in front of the entire class like a baby, they'd never act up again. What was your reaction to the Irish schools' disciplinary actions?
I feel that as the course of the book progresses, Frank's parents are beginning to fail in keeping him out of trouble. There are multiple instances that support my claim. First, when Frank's parents tell him he will start dancing, he goes to classes for a short period of time, and soon, he starts taking the money he is supposed to pay the dance teacher with and he goes to the movies and buys toffee. The pattern continues for a long period of time, and when his parents find out he states "Dad doesn't care about my tooth or anything. He says I'm going to confession and drags me over to the Redemptorist church" (Mccourt 144). Frank received no further punishment, which indicates he will soon misbehave yet again, because he does not fear punishment. Likewise, he skips school one day with his friend Paddy Clohessy, and to evade his parents, goes home with Paddy. When his mother finally finds him, once again, she does not care, and he receives no punishment. I feel that when children lack punishment, it results in unhealthy future behavior. I know that this was never a problem for me, as my parents frequently scolded me for the smallest of acts. Do you believe it is best for a parent to be very strict, or passive? What kind of parents have you grown up with?
Yours Truly,
Patrick Gregorek
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Neil's Response to Patrick's First Reader Response
Dear Patrick,
I completely agree that Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt is an extremely moving story, and I have already learned so many life lessons from the novel. I am so much more thankful of what I have and am appreciating life a lot more. Prior to the reading, I was expecting the book to focus on Angela, Frank's mother, as a rock of the family, but noticed she also had her faults too. I figured the father was going to be a heavy drinker and negative influence to the children, which he was. I also agree that I wondered how on Earth religion especially could affect one's lifestyle so much am surprised with the results. I am so frustrated with Frank's father's drinking problem and how it is destroying the family. Why doesn't he want to stop? I wonder. This link shares ten tips to help an alcoholic become sober; I truly believe this could have helped the family in times of need. http://www.stopdrinkingadvice.org/10-tips-to-help-quit-drinking/ From the story, I have mainly learned to be thankful for what I have and to not take anything for granted, after watching three children die. I know never to drink and to always make decisions that will help, not hurt, others in my family. Like you, I have also learned not to judge any culture or race or religion, because not all are how they are seen, like you said with the Muslim people. There are many "bright" parts of the story that I have been pleased to read, one being Frank's ability to keep his father from drinking twice. I also love it when the family does get a plentiful, warm meal and are happy and warm. The children deserve to be fed and be kept warm. The random acts of kindness of strangers also make me feel good inside. (haha) Without these acts of kindness, the family would have been much worse off and make not have been able to survive. I hope that I would do the same to someone like them. Overall, I have been grateful for what I have, have learned not to judge, and have learned to help others in desperate times of needs in the first 90 pages. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the book; it isn't a happy book, but evokes emotion from me, which is something a book must do in order to be great. I can't wait to keep reading. Good luck!
Yours truly,
Neil J.
I completely agree that Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt is an extremely moving story, and I have already learned so many life lessons from the novel. I am so much more thankful of what I have and am appreciating life a lot more. Prior to the reading, I was expecting the book to focus on Angela, Frank's mother, as a rock of the family, but noticed she also had her faults too. I figured the father was going to be a heavy drinker and negative influence to the children, which he was. I also agree that I wondered how on Earth religion especially could affect one's lifestyle so much am surprised with the results. I am so frustrated with Frank's father's drinking problem and how it is destroying the family. Why doesn't he want to stop? I wonder. This link shares ten tips to help an alcoholic become sober; I truly believe this could have helped the family in times of need. http://www.stopdrinkingadvice.org/10-tips-to-help-quit-drinking/ From the story, I have mainly learned to be thankful for what I have and to not take anything for granted, after watching three children die. I know never to drink and to always make decisions that will help, not hurt, others in my family. Like you, I have also learned not to judge any culture or race or religion, because not all are how they are seen, like you said with the Muslim people. There are many "bright" parts of the story that I have been pleased to read, one being Frank's ability to keep his father from drinking twice. I also love it when the family does get a plentiful, warm meal and are happy and warm. The children deserve to be fed and be kept warm. The random acts of kindness of strangers also make me feel good inside. (haha) Without these acts of kindness, the family would have been much worse off and make not have been able to survive. I hope that I would do the same to someone like them. Overall, I have been grateful for what I have, have learned not to judge, and have learned to help others in desperate times of needs in the first 90 pages. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the book; it isn't a happy book, but evokes emotion from me, which is something a book must do in order to be great. I can't wait to keep reading. Good luck!
Yours truly,
Neil J.
Caitlyn's First Response to Neil's Reader Response
Dear Neil,
I totally agree with what you say about how our lives today are much easier than back then. Everybody today takes things for granted, not like the McCourt's back then. It's amazing how they handled the situations they were thrown into. Thankfully, I never had to experience something like this as a child, but I can imagine what McCourt felt like. It must be difficult living every day when you know you probably won't have enough to eat. Many other people experienced this at this time period, known as the Great Depression. America was hit the hardest. It must have been hard to keep up a family of 5 children with only one welfare check. I found this website, http://iws.collin.edu/kwilkison/Online1302home/20th%20Century/DepressionNewDeal.html, that shows how people lived in this time period and how they managed to get through with little to no money. I feel that the McCourt's will pull through this rough patch. I know a bit about the Great Depression and what people felt, but I cannot imagine what it must be like to go hungry almost every single night because your father is out spending money on beer instead of food. It must have been very tough to survive, but it looks like the McCourt's will be fine. Also, on the topic of McCourt's father, Malachy, he is a traditional Irishman, one who drinks his weight in alcohol every day. There is really nothing he can do to help himself in this time period. The family doesn't have enough money for him to go see a councelor or a psychiatrist, and he is addicted to alcohol, so he can't just stop. It seems weird, but he can't stop, even if he tried. Even with all of those problems, I probably couldn't even survive through losing 3 children. It was sad to read that Mararget, Eugene, and Oliver died at such a young age, but with the way that this family acts, you could almost predict thatthey would lose some children to hunger or sickness. I myself have been fortunate enough to only lose one family member at a time, but it has still affected me greatly. I could not imagine what the McCourt's felt. Also, on the topic of culture, my family does do things relative to our nationalities. My Nani, who is my mother's mother, used to cook a big meal of spaghetti and meatblls every Sunday and invite my aunts, uncles, and cousins over like the do in Italy. Also, my Nani's family tends to throw big parties for special occasions, and they invite all 720 relatives to the parties. Even though that was an exaggeration, you get my point. I love to see how the McCourt's follow the traditional Irish culture, and I can't wait to continue reading.
Yours Truly,
Caitlyn
I totally agree with what you say about how our lives today are much easier than back then. Everybody today takes things for granted, not like the McCourt's back then. It's amazing how they handled the situations they were thrown into. Thankfully, I never had to experience something like this as a child, but I can imagine what McCourt felt like. It must be difficult living every day when you know you probably won't have enough to eat. Many other people experienced this at this time period, known as the Great Depression. America was hit the hardest. It must have been hard to keep up a family of 5 children with only one welfare check. I found this website, http://iws.collin.edu/kwilkison/Online1302home/20th%20Century/DepressionNewDeal.html, that shows how people lived in this time period and how they managed to get through with little to no money. I feel that the McCourt's will pull through this rough patch. I know a bit about the Great Depression and what people felt, but I cannot imagine what it must be like to go hungry almost every single night because your father is out spending money on beer instead of food. It must have been very tough to survive, but it looks like the McCourt's will be fine. Also, on the topic of McCourt's father, Malachy, he is a traditional Irishman, one who drinks his weight in alcohol every day. There is really nothing he can do to help himself in this time period. The family doesn't have enough money for him to go see a councelor or a psychiatrist, and he is addicted to alcohol, so he can't just stop. It seems weird, but he can't stop, even if he tried. Even with all of those problems, I probably couldn't even survive through losing 3 children. It was sad to read that Mararget, Eugene, and Oliver died at such a young age, but with the way that this family acts, you could almost predict thatthey would lose some children to hunger or sickness. I myself have been fortunate enough to only lose one family member at a time, but it has still affected me greatly. I could not imagine what the McCourt's felt. Also, on the topic of culture, my family does do things relative to our nationalities. My Nani, who is my mother's mother, used to cook a big meal of spaghetti and meatblls every Sunday and invite my aunts, uncles, and cousins over like the do in Italy. Also, my Nani's family tends to throw big parties for special occasions, and they invite all 720 relatives to the parties. Even though that was an exaggeration, you get my point. I love to see how the McCourt's follow the traditional Irish culture, and I can't wait to continue reading.
Yours Truly,
Caitlyn
Neil's First Reader Response
Dear Patrick and Caitlyn,
After reading chapters one and two of Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt, I have begun to understand the hardships that so many people face in our world. Before reading this story, I complained about school, running and other things I thought of as burdens in my life, but then was changed. This heartbreaking story made me realize just how I blessed I was to have such things in my life; they aren't burdens, but are actually gifts! When reading what McCourt said about his miserable childhood, I began to empathize him and be very thankful for what I have. My childhood was blessed with plentiful food, warm shelter, clean clothes, lots of friends, and good health, while his childhood was completely different. McCourt describes his miserable Irish childhood, and says, "...but nothing can compare with the Irish version: the poverty; the shiftless loquacious alcoholic father; the pious defeated mother moaning by the fire; pompous priests; bullying schoolmasters; the English and the terrible things they did to us for eight hundred long years" (McCourt 11). I did not encounter anything close to a struggle like this during my childhood- did either of you two have struggles similar to these?
Another huge problem that the family and children face is hunger. The family consists of five kids at one point- Frank the oldest, Malachy next, the two twins Oliver and Eugene, and finally the lone girl, Margaret. These days, five kids is a lot to feed for a family. But can you imagine feeding five kids when both parents are jobless and the family is receiving to welfare? The young children could have died because of starvation and weakness, for they hardly ever had more than one small meal per day. Frank recalls one day when he was hungry looking for a snack, and says, "I wish I had something to eat but there's nothing in the icebox (refrigerator) but cabbage leaves floating in the melted ice" (McCourt 20). Can you simply imagine opening up you fridge and finding it completely empty? A lot of the time, we all complain that the cupboards and fridge are "empty" and that we are sooooo hungry, but they never are completely empty, rather we see nothing that we like. With the McCourt family, the cupboards and fridge were literally empty. And when they did get food, it didn't matter whether they liked it or not- they were going to eat it anyways, because they never knew when they would be eating next.
The family's issue of hunger is mainly because of the father's drinking problem; when he does have a job, he usually spends the money on alcohol. When his father returns home late one night drunk, Frank's mother says, "Leave these boys alone. They've gone to bed half hungry because you have to fill your belly with whisky" (McCourt 25). This happens most of the time, if the father even has a job. Throughout the story, Frank explains how his father, being an Irishman, has a serious drinking problem and is a very heavy drinker. Irishmen have accustomed the stereotype of being "heavy drinkers" throughout the years because of many men like Frank's father. However, my father is Irish and hardly ever drinks, and never has drank much, showing this stereotype is false yet common. If Frank's father held a job and stayed sober, the family would have been much more financially secure, had plenty to eat, could have been warmer, and could have stayed healthier, and maybe all five children could have been alive rather than just two. I have noticed that this is one way in which culture shapes our identity today, yet unfortunately in a negative way for many Irish-Americans.
I feel terrible about the family losing baby Margaret and the two twins, Oliver and Eugene, in a span of a year. Sickness, poverty and hunger have killed the children. The deaths have torn the family to pieces and have caused Frank's father the drink even more. Frank tells the reader that his mother wants a girl in the family because four boys is so much. He says, "She wishes for one little girl all for herself. She'd give up anything for one little girl" (McCourt 22). Weeks after they get the little bundle of joy, they lose it, and soon after both the twins. I can't even imagine how horrible the family must feel right now- losing three children in a span of a year would make me kill myself. However, they push on, showing that they may have many faults, but are a strong, tough Irish family. I am lucky enough to have only lost two grandparents, one of which I never knew because she died before I was born. Losing my grandfather was hard enough. When I see stories of how a child was murdered, one had died, I couldn't imagine myself surviving without them as a sibling or parent. Would you be able to manage just as the McCourt family is doing? Have you ever lost a few relatives in a short period of time? If so, what did it feel like?
I am also beginning to understand how culture shapes our identity today. As I mentioned before, many Irishmen are seen stereo-typically as heavy drinkers. Also, the family uses different dialect than most Americans do and their lifestyle is more Irish than Americans. For example, what we call a pub or bar, the Irish call a speakeasy. Also, Frank calls his mother Angela "Mam" rather than "Mom" which is more traditional for Americans. I also noticed that culture shapes our identity when Frank is with Freddie Leibowitz, and says,"Papa. That is what Freddie calls his father and Dad is what I call my father" (McCourt 35). Freddie Leibowitz is most likely Polish or Eastern European judging by his last name, which is why there is a difference in the way the two children speak. In my own family today, my uncle still says "the little buggers" when he's talking about a nuisance or annoyance he encounters, which was used commonly by Irish back then. Is there anything that your family does or says that helps show how culture shapes our identity today?
As sad as this story is, I am thoroughly enjoying and can't wait to keep reading! Hope you feel the same!
Yours truly,
Neil J.
After reading chapters one and two of Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt, I have begun to understand the hardships that so many people face in our world. Before reading this story, I complained about school, running and other things I thought of as burdens in my life, but then was changed. This heartbreaking story made me realize just how I blessed I was to have such things in my life; they aren't burdens, but are actually gifts! When reading what McCourt said about his miserable childhood, I began to empathize him and be very thankful for what I have. My childhood was blessed with plentiful food, warm shelter, clean clothes, lots of friends, and good health, while his childhood was completely different. McCourt describes his miserable Irish childhood, and says, "...but nothing can compare with the Irish version: the poverty; the shiftless loquacious alcoholic father; the pious defeated mother moaning by the fire; pompous priests; bullying schoolmasters; the English and the terrible things they did to us for eight hundred long years" (McCourt 11). I did not encounter anything close to a struggle like this during my childhood- did either of you two have struggles similar to these?
Another huge problem that the family and children face is hunger. The family consists of five kids at one point- Frank the oldest, Malachy next, the two twins Oliver and Eugene, and finally the lone girl, Margaret. These days, five kids is a lot to feed for a family. But can you imagine feeding five kids when both parents are jobless and the family is receiving to welfare? The young children could have died because of starvation and weakness, for they hardly ever had more than one small meal per day. Frank recalls one day when he was hungry looking for a snack, and says, "I wish I had something to eat but there's nothing in the icebox (refrigerator) but cabbage leaves floating in the melted ice" (McCourt 20). Can you simply imagine opening up you fridge and finding it completely empty? A lot of the time, we all complain that the cupboards and fridge are "empty" and that we are sooooo hungry, but they never are completely empty, rather we see nothing that we like. With the McCourt family, the cupboards and fridge were literally empty. And when they did get food, it didn't matter whether they liked it or not- they were going to eat it anyways, because they never knew when they would be eating next.
The family's issue of hunger is mainly because of the father's drinking problem; when he does have a job, he usually spends the money on alcohol. When his father returns home late one night drunk, Frank's mother says, "Leave these boys alone. They've gone to bed half hungry because you have to fill your belly with whisky" (McCourt 25). This happens most of the time, if the father even has a job. Throughout the story, Frank explains how his father, being an Irishman, has a serious drinking problem and is a very heavy drinker. Irishmen have accustomed the stereotype of being "heavy drinkers" throughout the years because of many men like Frank's father. However, my father is Irish and hardly ever drinks, and never has drank much, showing this stereotype is false yet common. If Frank's father held a job and stayed sober, the family would have been much more financially secure, had plenty to eat, could have been warmer, and could have stayed healthier, and maybe all five children could have been alive rather than just two. I have noticed that this is one way in which culture shapes our identity today, yet unfortunately in a negative way for many Irish-Americans.
I feel terrible about the family losing baby Margaret and the two twins, Oliver and Eugene, in a span of a year. Sickness, poverty and hunger have killed the children. The deaths have torn the family to pieces and have caused Frank's father the drink even more. Frank tells the reader that his mother wants a girl in the family because four boys is so much. He says, "She wishes for one little girl all for herself. She'd give up anything for one little girl" (McCourt 22). Weeks after they get the little bundle of joy, they lose it, and soon after both the twins. I can't even imagine how horrible the family must feel right now- losing three children in a span of a year would make me kill myself. However, they push on, showing that they may have many faults, but are a strong, tough Irish family. I am lucky enough to have only lost two grandparents, one of which I never knew because she died before I was born. Losing my grandfather was hard enough. When I see stories of how a child was murdered, one had died, I couldn't imagine myself surviving without them as a sibling or parent. Would you be able to manage just as the McCourt family is doing? Have you ever lost a few relatives in a short period of time? If so, what did it feel like?
I am also beginning to understand how culture shapes our identity today. As I mentioned before, many Irishmen are seen stereo-typically as heavy drinkers. Also, the family uses different dialect than most Americans do and their lifestyle is more Irish than Americans. For example, what we call a pub or bar, the Irish call a speakeasy. Also, Frank calls his mother Angela "Mam" rather than "Mom" which is more traditional for Americans. I also noticed that culture shapes our identity when Frank is with Freddie Leibowitz, and says,"Papa. That is what Freddie calls his father and Dad is what I call my father" (McCourt 35). Freddie Leibowitz is most likely Polish or Eastern European judging by his last name, which is why there is a difference in the way the two children speak. In my own family today, my uncle still says "the little buggers" when he's talking about a nuisance or annoyance he encounters, which was used commonly by Irish back then. Is there anything that your family does or says that helps show how culture shapes our identity today?
As sad as this story is, I am thoroughly enjoying and can't wait to keep reading! Hope you feel the same!
Yours truly,
Neil J.
Caitlyn's First Reader Response
Dear Fellow Readers,
In Frank McCourt's Pulitzer Prize winning book, Angela's Ashes, many of my views are challenged by his recount of his early life. Within the first 90 pages, most of my views that were challenged were about families and how they act towards their children. Much of the events within these first chapters are astonishingly different than the views I was brought up with.I myself being partially Irish, like McCourt, find it weird about the way that this family acts. Their culture has shaped them to be this kind of family, but mine wasn't. This intrigued me, but not for the fact of the way they act. They act so differently, but so fluidly. It's like, this is what their parents did, so they are copying them. What did you think about the way that McCourt's family acted? Does it seem to you that they are intentionally acting this way, or were they brought up like this?
The first thing that troubled me was McCourt's father, Malachy. His father is first portrayed as a drunkard who cannot hold down a job or a family. That is, until he marries Angela, who is McCourt's mother. Still, his drunkard ways remained, even with 4 children. One night, Angela is sitting up waiting for Malachy to come home from work while the children are in bed, and then Malachy returns home. He starts singing an old Irish song and rousing the children out of bed like they're soldiers. She tells him, "Leave the boys alone. They're going to bed half hungry because you have to fill your belly with whiskey" (McCourt 25). I know that people have obsessions with things like alcohol and drugs, but you would think that if they had children, they would put them first. This strongly clashes with my views because even though Irish are known to be big on drinking, they are even bigger on the importance of their family. Malachy almost ignores his family needs just to have a drink. This sickens me, but what do you feel when you are reading this? Doesn't this seem wrong to you?
Another thing that upsets me is favoritism. Favoritism in families is when parent favor one child over the rest of the children. This happens in the McCourt family when baby Margaret arrives. She is the fifth child, and the only female one. Both Malachy and Angela love her more. At one point, McCourt recalls, "The twins [Eugene and Oliver] cried when they were small and Dad and Mam would say Whisht and Hush....But when Margaret cries there's a high lonely feeling in the air and Dad is out of bed in a second, holding her to him..." (McCourt 30). Malachy neglected his other children, but not Margaret. She was the pride and joy of the family. Also, McCourt remembers how his parents were, "talking about Margaret now and I'm forgotten" (McCourt 34). His parents seem to love their baby girl more than their 4 sons. That is, until Margaret dies. What do you feel about this idea of favoritism? Do you think it's right? And how does it affect McCourt as a child in your opinion?
The last thing that bothers me in this novel is the lack of respect the family has for each other. One particular incident irks me very much under this matter. At this point, Oliver has also died, and more recently, Eugene has died from pneumonia. Malachy takes Eugene's coffin to go find a hearse for it. He finds a man who can drive it, and they agree to negotiate a price at a local bar. McCourt was looking for his father, and he finds him at the bar. What McCourt sees troubles him. He tells his father, "That's Eugene's coffin. I'll tell Mam you put your glass on Eugene's coffin" (McCourt 86) The two men were using Eugene's coffin as a table to put their drinks on. One big question that was flashing through my mind at this point was, Where is the respect that this little boy deserves? He is dead, and he should be treated in the proper way, not used as a table. I a;ways thought that Irish people were brought up to be Catholic Christians, and that they honored their dead, but this was crossing my line. If I was there in that situation, I would have slapped Malachy and taken the coffin away to give Eugene the respect he deserves. While reading this, did you have the same reactions, or did you think something different?
These events have forever changed my views of Irish families. I know that probably not all of the families act this way, but this family made me think twice. The McCourt's are a family that are not easily forgotten, and they also show how different families can be within one culture. As a reader, think about this: What if all families were exactly like this? How would things be different for you and the people around you?
Sincerely,
Caitlyn
In Frank McCourt's Pulitzer Prize winning book, Angela's Ashes, many of my views are challenged by his recount of his early life. Within the first 90 pages, most of my views that were challenged were about families and how they act towards their children. Much of the events within these first chapters are astonishingly different than the views I was brought up with.I myself being partially Irish, like McCourt, find it weird about the way that this family acts. Their culture has shaped them to be this kind of family, but mine wasn't. This intrigued me, but not for the fact of the way they act. They act so differently, but so fluidly. It's like, this is what their parents did, so they are copying them. What did you think about the way that McCourt's family acted? Does it seem to you that they are intentionally acting this way, or were they brought up like this?
The first thing that troubled me was McCourt's father, Malachy. His father is first portrayed as a drunkard who cannot hold down a job or a family. That is, until he marries Angela, who is McCourt's mother. Still, his drunkard ways remained, even with 4 children. One night, Angela is sitting up waiting for Malachy to come home from work while the children are in bed, and then Malachy returns home. He starts singing an old Irish song and rousing the children out of bed like they're soldiers. She tells him, "Leave the boys alone. They're going to bed half hungry because you have to fill your belly with whiskey" (McCourt 25). I know that people have obsessions with things like alcohol and drugs, but you would think that if they had children, they would put them first. This strongly clashes with my views because even though Irish are known to be big on drinking, they are even bigger on the importance of their family. Malachy almost ignores his family needs just to have a drink. This sickens me, but what do you feel when you are reading this? Doesn't this seem wrong to you?
Another thing that upsets me is favoritism. Favoritism in families is when parent favor one child over the rest of the children. This happens in the McCourt family when baby Margaret arrives. She is the fifth child, and the only female one. Both Malachy and Angela love her more. At one point, McCourt recalls, "The twins [Eugene and Oliver] cried when they were small and Dad and Mam would say Whisht and Hush....But when Margaret cries there's a high lonely feeling in the air and Dad is out of bed in a second, holding her to him..." (McCourt 30). Malachy neglected his other children, but not Margaret. She was the pride and joy of the family. Also, McCourt remembers how his parents were, "talking about Margaret now and I'm forgotten" (McCourt 34). His parents seem to love their baby girl more than their 4 sons. That is, until Margaret dies. What do you feel about this idea of favoritism? Do you think it's right? And how does it affect McCourt as a child in your opinion?
The last thing that bothers me in this novel is the lack of respect the family has for each other. One particular incident irks me very much under this matter. At this point, Oliver has also died, and more recently, Eugene has died from pneumonia. Malachy takes Eugene's coffin to go find a hearse for it. He finds a man who can drive it, and they agree to negotiate a price at a local bar. McCourt was looking for his father, and he finds him at the bar. What McCourt sees troubles him. He tells his father, "That's Eugene's coffin. I'll tell Mam you put your glass on Eugene's coffin" (McCourt 86) The two men were using Eugene's coffin as a table to put their drinks on. One big question that was flashing through my mind at this point was, Where is the respect that this little boy deserves? He is dead, and he should be treated in the proper way, not used as a table. I a;ways thought that Irish people were brought up to be Catholic Christians, and that they honored their dead, but this was crossing my line. If I was there in that situation, I would have slapped Malachy and taken the coffin away to give Eugene the respect he deserves. While reading this, did you have the same reactions, or did you think something different?
These events have forever changed my views of Irish families. I know that probably not all of the families act this way, but this family made me think twice. The McCourt's are a family that are not easily forgotten, and they also show how different families can be within one culture. As a reader, think about this: What if all families were exactly like this? How would things be different for you and the people around you?
Sincerely,
Caitlyn
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Patrick's Response to Caitlyn's First Reader Response
Dear Caitlyn,
I thought your first response to Angela's Ashes was very deep. I commend many of the views you have, as I completely agree with them. I find the way Frankie's family acts rather odd as well. Yet, I believe we only see their behavior as odd because they are of a different culture from me and you. You did mention that you are partially Irish, but I'm assuming you don't practice Irish traditions and culture. My personal opinion is that every family and individual person is unique mainly due to their culture. In my opinion, I believe that is the only reason the Mccourts act so "odd," using strange language such as "Och," and "Mam". So to answer your question, I believe they act the way they do because it was the way they were raised. I also completely agree with your views of their father, Malachy. It pains me every time I read that Malachy spends his money he gets from the dole on alcohol at a pub on his way home. Especially when your family and children are on the virge of starvation. I find it totally wrong that Malachy spends so much money on alcohol. Such alcohol addictions can have dramatic effects on a family. I did some research, and websites said that it can lead to your family's: depression, loneliness, etc. Check out this website for more information: http://www.projectknow.com/alcohol-treatment/alcoholism-effects-on-family.html. It's funny that you pointed out the favoritism of children, because I noticed that Malachy favors Margaret over the others as well. I can't stand favoritism. It makes others feel less important, and frankly, there's no need for favoritism. Yet, you see it every where in this world. Your boss, your friends, your teachers. Why can't we all just be loved equally and love others equally? As far as Malachy resting his beer on Eugene's coffin, I had the EXACT same reaction. Young Frankie, a child, has more respect for his dead brother than his father. How awful! Overall, I feel we share similar views of this book, which I like. I love being able to relate to someone in beliefs and opinions. And thanks for that last question to think about, I appreciate reading tips.
Sincerely,
Patrick Gregorek
I thought your first response to Angela's Ashes was very deep. I commend many of the views you have, as I completely agree with them. I find the way Frankie's family acts rather odd as well. Yet, I believe we only see their behavior as odd because they are of a different culture from me and you. You did mention that you are partially Irish, but I'm assuming you don't practice Irish traditions and culture. My personal opinion is that every family and individual person is unique mainly due to their culture. In my opinion, I believe that is the only reason the Mccourts act so "odd," using strange language such as "Och," and "Mam". So to answer your question, I believe they act the way they do because it was the way they were raised. I also completely agree with your views of their father, Malachy. It pains me every time I read that Malachy spends his money he gets from the dole on alcohol at a pub on his way home. Especially when your family and children are on the virge of starvation. I find it totally wrong that Malachy spends so much money on alcohol. Such alcohol addictions can have dramatic effects on a family. I did some research, and websites said that it can lead to your family's: depression, loneliness, etc. Check out this website for more information: http://www.projectknow.com/alcohol-treatment/alcoholism-effects-on-family.html. It's funny that you pointed out the favoritism of children, because I noticed that Malachy favors Margaret over the others as well. I can't stand favoritism. It makes others feel less important, and frankly, there's no need for favoritism. Yet, you see it every where in this world. Your boss, your friends, your teachers. Why can't we all just be loved equally and love others equally? As far as Malachy resting his beer on Eugene's coffin, I had the EXACT same reaction. Young Frankie, a child, has more respect for his dead brother than his father. How awful! Overall, I feel we share similar views of this book, which I like. I love being able to relate to someone in beliefs and opinions. And thanks for that last question to think about, I appreciate reading tips.
Sincerely,
Patrick Gregorek
Friday, February 17, 2012
Patrick Gregorek's First Reader Response
Dear Caitlyn,
I am only 90 pages into Angela's Ashes, and with ease, it is the most powerful book I have ever read. Never have I read such an emotionally moving book. Frank Mccourt's story is one I believe all people need to hear. It teaches numerous lessons, and will change the way anyone looks at their lives. I heard that the book was a depressing read, but I believed the people whom made such comments were those who felt pity for the mildest pain people endure. How wrong I was. Right on the very first page of the memoir, Mccourt states "worse than the ordinary miserable childhood is the miserable Irish childhood, and worse yet is the miserable Catholic childhood" (Mccourt 1). Before proceeding on in the book, I asked myself, "how on Earth could your ethnicity and religion affect your life so greatly?" What did you expect of the book prior to reading?
The very first lesson Angela's Ashes taught me was to never judge any other cultural (religion, ethnicity) group, solely because it may seem like they have it easy, but only they know what their own culture is like. What made me think about this is what Frank Mccourt went through as a child. In all honesty, I always thought Ireland had it easy. I figured they never had any of the problems the U.S. had, such as catastrophes like the Twin Towers bombing on September 11, 2001, or nobody Irish suffered from poverty like people in the U.S. always had. Yet, it is blatantly obvious that this is far from true. Throughout the entire book, Frank and his family are seen struggling to find shelter and find food to eat every day. It makes me suffer to hear that Frank's father, Malachy, is a dangerous alcoholic who spends the only money his family has for food on alcohol. What pained me even more to read is how at times in this memoir, all hope is crushed. For example, Malachy is in love with his precious daughter, Margaret, and "he hasn't touched a drop (of alcohol) since she was born" (Mcourt 30). Yet, she passes away, and the father returns to his alcohol addiction, putting his family on the brink of starvation frequently. What have you learned so far from the book?
Nonetheless, through the pain and suffering the Mccourt family endures, there are a few elements that do me well to read about. One being the loving, caring relationships between all of the family members.
It is small acts of love that carry this family a long way. Despite his several hours spent at pubs and bars, Malachy loves his children dearly, which is quite evident when he tells them stories, such as when he tells Frankie the story of "Cuchulain". It is a mere folktale, but Frankie sees it as "his story," and because of this story, Frankie grows closer to his father. Malachy also loves his daughter Margaret dearly, as he sings to her when she cries to calm her down, and sheds tears over his love for her. Frankie's mother, Angela, is also very close to all of her children, as well as her husband, despite how angry he makes her with his alcohol addiction. She takes them to the park, and always watches out for them to prevent them from a negative influence, such as when she frequently stops Frankie from going with his father, because she does not want her child at a pub. Most of all though, I was touched by the love the children have for one another. They consistently look out for one another, and try to protect them from anything in the world. A great example of this unconditional love was when Frankie enters the pub to see his father resting his mug on his dead brother, Eugene's coffin. Frankie's first words to his father are "that;s Eugene's coffin. I'll tell Mam you put your glass on Eugene's coffin" (Mccourt 86). A mere child, scolding his father for using his dead brother's coffin as a table. Likewise, have you enjoyed any "bright" elements of the book?
I also admired the small acts of kindness random strangers perform over the course of the book. Numerous strangers that the Mccourts encounter provide the Mccourts with aid in these needy times, and they do not do it for money, only to do a good deed. At one point in the novel, Frankie briefly stops in a bar to ask the bartender to fill his two younger twin brothers', Eugene and Oliver, bottles with water. The bartender recognizes that the bottles are for Frankie's younger brother, so the bartender replies to Frankie "tell ya mom they need that (milk) for the teeth an' bones. Ya drink water an' sugar an' all ya get is rickets" (Mccourt 27). Rare was it in these times that food and drinks were just handed out, when everyone needed money, but some recognize that others are in the same shoes, and help others, like this bartender. He was sweet-hearted, and chose to offer a helping hand to another family going through hard times. There is also the St. Vincent De Paul Society, a group that offers supplies to those who need them most. Between the kindness people in this world offer, and beautiful love, Frankie Mccourt was able to bring a sense of joy to this book. What was your overall reaction to the first 90 pages?
Yours Truly,
Patrick Gregorek
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