Dear Caitlyn and Patrick,
As Angela's Ashes came to a conclusion, I was left with many questions, opinions, and overall thoughts of the story. First off, I really wonder what happened to their father. In the beginning of the story, Frank says his father died while he was just a child, but do they say how or when he died? Also, when he had returned home, why do you think he lost all of his teeth and was all bruised? I suspect that it wasn't the Irish Sea, but rather was affiliated with alcohol- most of his troubles are, after all. What I also wonder is why Angela doesn't even care for the kids anymore; all she does is sit in bed, mope, and smoke cigarettes. I mean, sure she's had a rough life, but she isn't even trying to care for her kids that do have a future ahead of them! I suspect her depression has finally succumbed her, and she has finally given up. However, she is being quite generous- she welcomes in the even less fortunate, which Michael is doing as well, except I think he goes to far. Why would you sacrifice food your children need to those very few who are less fortunate than you are? I don't know if she is being considerate or just plain stupid, or both. As things continue to worsen and they end up in Laman Griffin's, I think the family hits their low point.
From this point on though, things seem to get a little bit better, especially for Frank. Mr. O'Halloran sees a bright future for the boy which he is right about, although not in the sense that he expected. Mr. O'Halloran says, "You have a mind for the priesthood, my boy, or politics. Think of that" (McCourt 288). Well, Frank is extremely intelligent, but is rejected everywhere because of his appearance. Even still today this happens, especially with first impressions- the one in the suit and tie will be taken over the one in rags because people judge that the one with the suit is smarter. People were prejudice back then in Ireland and are still prejudice in America today, showing that some things are alike in both of our very different cultures. I wonder what his life would have been like if he had been admitted to secondary school or a private school- what do you think would have been the outcome? When he is rejected by the Christian Brothers, his mother becomes very upset, saying, "That's the second time a door was slammed in your face by the Church" (McCourt 289). I think this may have been a sign to them that his vocation was not in the priesthood, but somewhere else. In fact, it seems like a sign from God, which doesn't make sense at all. Do you agree?
In the last few chapters, it is clear that Frank is maturing, although the countless sins, and he is preparing to leave for America. I think that Frank's decision to seek life in America was formed by Mr. O'Halloran, an influential man in Frank's life. He tells the students, "You must get out of this country, boys. Go to America, McCourt" (McCourt 290). As you know, Frank quickly gets a job at the post office and then with Mrs. Finucane writing dirty letters to her customers. I think this is an awful job and a sin for doing this for money. He also steals from her and many other people, which is even worse! However, I empathazied and understood Frank's position. In fact, I would do all of the same to go to America, the land of golden opportunity. His life sounds so miserable that I don't blame him for compromising his character to get enough money to go to America. What would you do in Frank's position? Can you imagine working at the age of fourteen? And his job isn't like a part-time job- he is out of school working full-time at the post office and part-time with Mrs. Finucane. Those days, however, it wasn't rare for a boy to begin working at that age after his schooling is complete, showing that our two cultures are so different. I found that the final and most influential idea that helped Frank make up his mind to journey to America came from Uncle Pa Keating. When he took Frank out for his first pint on his sixteenth birthday (so young by the way,) he told Frank, " 'Tis your life, make your own decisions and to hell with the begrudgers, Frankie" (McCourt 334). I think this was Uncle Pa's way of telling Frank that the greatest risk to take is taking none at all. These words help Frank decide to leave the post office, get a job with Easons and Sons, and save up the money to go to America. Do you agree with Uncle Pa's words?
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. It was the most dramatic, emotional novel I have ever read by far. It really put things into perspective to me and helped me realize just how fortunate I am. It also made me realize that there are so many people out there suffering because of family troubles, addiction, and more. I have been able to compare and contrast the American and Irish cultures, and relate them to my own life as an Irish-American. What effect did this book have on you? One of the main recurring themes I found was that people are slammed with struggles in lives but are able to overcome these obstacles because of strength, perseverance, and a wee bit o' luck. This is so true with Frank McCourt's life- with him, it's what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
Yours truly,
Neil J.
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