Angela's Ashes Lesson Plan

Why does McCourt choose to begin the book with his statement of regret about his childhood, instead of starting right in with his own narrative? What do you think about his choice?

Some students may feel that McCourt's introduction sets the tone, letting us know that most of the book will be set in Ireland even though that's not where Frank McCourt's story begins, and giving the book an air of misery that helps us understand what's coming. Other students may think the book should be more chronological, without foreshadowing, and that it would make the point of view clearer and smoother. Students should consider how these deeply emotional chapters are structured and whether...