-
1
Hunger is referred to time and time again in Angela's Ashes. Decribe three incidents involving hunger and discuss the underlying social causes.
-
2
McCourt begins Angela's Ashes with the sentence: "My mother and father should have stayed in New York where they met and married and where I was born." Agree or disagree, taking the entire novel into account.
-
3
How does McCourt interject traditional Irish rituals and mythology into Angela's Ashes?
-
4
As a youngster, Frank is fascinated by heroes. Who are these heroes and what purpose does their example serve?
-
5
Young Frank is a voracious reader, even reading under street lights when there is no money to put oil in the lamps at home. What function do books serve in Angela's Ashes?
-
6
The Catholic Church plays a major role in Frank McCourt's life. Discuss this role in negative and positive terms.
-
7
Throughout Angela's Ashes, Malachy's drinking goes from bad to worse and this deeply affects the family in a negative manner. Is Malachy's influence on his son purely negative, or does he make a positive impact as well?
-
8
What does the idea of America mean to McCourt? How does this idea motivate him?
-
9
Frank McCourt became a highly renowned English teacher. How do events in Angela's Ashes help anticipate and explain his eventual career as an educator?
-
10
Discuss Frank's relationship with his mother. Why do you think he named the book Angela's Ashes?