Chapters 9-11
Good for Angela, putting her foot down about not having any more kids! Too bad that abstinence, rather than birth control, seems to be the only option, though. Along similar lines, I found it interesting (and kind of sad) that Frank’s only source of “sex education” came from his friend Mikey, the self-proclaimed expert on Girls’ Bodies and Dirty Things in General. It was kind of amusing, though, that once Frank learned why he was born “early,” that he planned to use this information as leverage in case his mother ever found out about his cutting up her flapper dress! But back to the bit about sex education, and education from parents in general: I’ve been wondering, if Angela is home with the kids all the time, and usually jobless Malachy Sr. is home a lot of the time too, what do these people talk about or do?! There aren’t any toys for the kids, and hardly any other form of entertainment aside from the occasional book. And how much housework could there be if they hardly own any clothing, bedding, dishes, etc.? Seems like there would be some opportunity for the parents to actually have meaningful or educational conversations with their kids, but this doesn’t seem to happen.
And what a surprise that once Malachy Sr. goes off to England to work, he continues to drink away virtually all of his wages, forcing his starving family to seek help from the lowest of all charities. The saddest part is that he doesn’t seem to care about how much he’s hurting them. At least the kids recognize how bad his behavior is…
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Frank has now started his journey towards manhood. He has started experimenting with things that feel good to a boy coming of age but at the same time his feels like he is committing a sin each time.
ReplyDeleteHis intelligence is starting to get noticed by teachers and even his mother. He is smarter than most boys in his form but because of their financial situation is unable help his situation. It’s sad that churches differentiate between upper class and lower class when it comes to education. I also think it’s disappointing that they tell the boys in school that they will only work the labor jobs in their lives no matter how intelligent they are. It’s like they don’t even want them to try and exceed expectations. I feel like if someone told me what job I was going to have regardless of my grades or education I would stop trying and just learn to live with it. But Frank is a much strong kid who still takes extra steps to broaden his horizons by continuing to read and learn.
He has grown an attachment to Mr. Hannon and he is ready to risk his life to continue working with him and it’s not because of the money but how Mr. Hannon makes him feel. He encourages him to make a good life for himself when he gets older the way a father is suppose to encourage his children.
Frank seems to be growing more in these chapters. With Malachy in England one might think that Angela and the boys would be better off, but things have not improved. The family had to move in with Laman, and he might be worse that Malachy. Angela feels obligated to sleep with him and Frank is beaten by him. After he gets beaten Frank moves out to live with his uncle. Angela and Frank’s teachers see a great deal of intelligence in Frank but no matter what they do Frank doesn’t get a break. Another church closes its door in front of Frank and the Foreign Legion denies him. His teacher thinks Frank only has a chance in America. It seems as though Frank is stuck in his situation working and living in the same way the rest of Ireland is. Frank learns more about sex and begins to masturbate and he feels terrible about it. Even though he knows it’s wrong, he can’t stop. He is in a confusing place and Frank has no one to turn to for true guidance. I think Frank is in for some rough times ahead, dealing with puberty, getting out of Ireland, and surviving the time he must remain stuck in Ireland.
ReplyDeleteI was happy when Angela said she was having no more children, even though Malachy said she would be damned I'm glad she said no more. As the story goes on, I continue to get angry with Malachy and his actions. His family is starving and he can only think of himself. At the same time I'm amazed that Frank has turned out so well, being a much better man than his father. Frank is definently growing into a good man, with his eagerness to work and help his family. Even though he wants and plans to leave, he realizes that his family will always need him.
ReplyDeleteLaman is the one of the worst characters in the book. The worst part in the book is when Frank gets smacked around and then Angela has sex with Laman, so they could stay there. I cant imagine the pain and disgust she must have felt with herself. I'm glad Frank got out of there and continues to grow into a young man. Even though the book continues to be sad, Frank remains the shining hope through it all.
I was pleased that Angela decided not to have any more children. I don’t think that Malachy Sr. has the right to be disappointed and angry as he has never fulfilled his husband and father’s duties. He goes to work in England and never sent his wages back home. How can he leave his family starving? I was mad and very disappointed at him. He drank away all his money without considering the state of his family.
ReplyDeleteDuring Frank’s stay in the hospital because of his sore eyes, he got to read books and hear poems. I thought that that was a rather fortunate. Frank also did get some proper food.
I felt sad and sympathy when Frank saw his mother begging. Frank tries to be the man of the house at his young age because his father was irresponsible and left them to starve. It should have been hard to see your own mother begging for food, and coming home to say that she got it from the shop.
I agree with jpinney that Laman is one of the worst characters in the book. He is mean to the McCourt’s and I really don’t see much good about him. Frank gets to go to library but besides that it was hard for them to stay at Laman’s house. It was gross to me to read about Angela having sex with Laman, and Frank knowing what was happening. I feel pity for him. Frank is maturing and starts to learn about sex. It was awkward to read about him doing the “sin” by himself and having sex.
I agree with everyone here about Laman being a bad guy, but I can imagine that Angela felt she was doing one of the only things she knew how to do to keep food in their stomachs and a roof over their head without begging. No one knew what was going on "behind closed doors" except the children who would never tell anyone out of shame.
ReplyDeleteAt least Malachy 'talked a good talk' when he was around her. He didn't put her down, spoke kindly and didn't abuse her emotionally or physically.
I think this is one of the reasons Frank has learned to be respectful of others. His parents do teach him that even in their horrible living conditions and poverty. That was the bright spot in his life and once Laman hit Frank, he could not tolerate it any longer.
He was old enough to get away from it and he did something about it. He isn't paralyzed as his father was (is) and Angela is about staying there, starving, begging and just barely getting by.
He has hopes to leave Limerick and he begins to save a little money once he gets the telegram delivery job. He keeps trying and doesn't give up.
As I read the opening page of chapter nine I literally laughed out loud as Angela refused Malachy more children thus refusing him sex.
ReplyDeleteMalachy Sr. claimed that Angela must perform her "wifely duties". That is rich coming from him. He cannot keep a job much less bring home money for the family and if he does manage to get money he uses it to buy alcohol. So who the heck is he to scold Angela for not performing her "duties" when he does not even perform them himself... I hate hypocrites and Malachy senior defintely is one.
I was glad when I read that Angela said no more children. I just wish she would have said that a long time ago and they would not have had so much devastating loss in their family and she also would have fewer responsibilities and fewer mouths to feed. I hate Malachy even more than ever. He leaves for England and promises them money but like usual he uses all of it to drink while his family is at home starving. I think he was happy to leave because he would be able to drink whenever he wanted and he didn’t have to worry about trying to take care of his family. I was glad to see that Frank got over his eye infection but found it sad that the only good meal he got was hospital food. Frank continues to show great responsibility and character throughout the book even though his life continues to get harder. I hate Laman, he is a disgusting person. I thought it was horrible that Angela put her children in that situation of getting smacked around. I also think it was sad that she put herself in the situation of having sex with a man just so she had somewhere to stay.
ReplyDeleteJust like everyone else has stated, I am very glad to hear that Angela finally put her foot down and said no more sex, even though she should have said that a long time ago. As I was reading this book, I couldn’t help but think that she should leave her husband and she would be so much better off. Since Malachy Sr. has left for England, things have just gotten worse. He sends home money once or twice and then stops, continuing to only think of himself and drink. I think he is happy he left and now he can do whatever he wants and does not have to worry about taking care of his family. Angela has now reached rock bottom and has nothing. She is sleeping with Laman to keep a roof over her families head and (little) food on the table. Many people think it is a horrible thing what she is doing, which it is very sad, I agree, but sometimes you have to do what you have to do just to survive.
ReplyDeleteIt is a good thing that Frank met Mr. Hannon. He finally met someone who encourages him and believes in him. Frank really does look up to him, even as a father figure. The turning point for Frank is when Laman smacks him around and Frank finally says no more. He has turned out to be an amazing person who tries so hard to take care of his family any way that he can. He works as much as he can without complaining. He is a much better person now than his father will ever be.
I'm happy Angela finally decided to stop having kids for her families sake. But unforunately life only gets worse with older malachy going to england and not really returning or sending money. This made me lose ALL respect for him and frank does as well. I'm happy to see frank receives a father figure in his life and motivates him to succeed in life. Mr. Hannon is a great influence on his life by wanting him to go to america and to continue to read. I am so happy for him. But then it goes downhill again from there becasue frank is beat by Laman who is sleeping with angela at the time and has to leave and goes to live with his uncle which isnt really good either though. he does so much to try to support his family which shows how mature frank really is. I agree with Kayla and add that he will most definitely succeed in the future.
ReplyDeleteThe most exciting part about this week’s reading was good for everyone in the book except Malachy, the fact that Angela refuses to have anymore kids. Throughout the other blogs, seems like everyone as a whole agrees this is a great thing for the family. Finally, perhaps the family will be able to take care of all the children they have, opposed to adding more victims too the McCourt family. I assume that birth control isn’t readily available at this time and even if it were, they would not be able to afford it. All this sums up to no more sex for Malachy. The positive thing for Malachy out of the whole situation is that with no more children, he will have more money to buy cigarettes and alcohol. The unfortunate side is that I seriously doubt that anything will change in regards to the distribution of the money among the family. Frank is continuing to work more at a very young age to show is maturity. He begins to work for Mr. Hannon and Mr. Hannon actually becomes a father figure to Frank. I believe this will be a reason for his ability to get through his current situation and become the success he is today.
ReplyDeleteComment,
ReplyDeleteI agree with bneff2 about the decision of Angela to have no more kids. That wa a good thing to do and i think it will be much more better for them taking care of themselves than having another mouth to feed.
chapter 9 starts off with Angela telling older Malachy that she will not have any more kids and older Malachy gets annoyed because Angela is not performing her wifely duties. Older Malachy ends up going to England to make money and send it back to Angela but he never sends any money back. Frank gets infected with conjunctivitis and ends up going to the hospital. When Frank comes home from the hospital, his family has no money and resort to ripping down walls to burn for heat until the roof starts collapsing. There grandma fetched the landlord and when the landlord saw that part of the wall was missing, he evicted the mcCourts who went to live with Angelas cousin Laman, who abuses them. Laman sleeps with Angela and makes her clean everything. This was probably the worst thing that could happen to the McCourts, they were supposed to get rich because their father was working in England but instead they were even poorer and had to do things in order to have a place to live.
ReplyDeleteIn chapter nine, I am very pleased with Angelas decision to finally not have anymore kids! I understand they cannot afford birth control, but what I dont understand is why these people continue to have kids when they cant even feed themselves. The way Malachy reacts makes me very mad because he has no right to really have a say in whether they do or do not have kids but he doesnt do anything for the family as it is. He continues to drink away their money, and leave the kids hungry all the time. Having more kids would just make the family even worse off than they already are. When Frank gets his infection and goes to the hospital I feel it is actually good for him. Even though he almost dies, he pulls through and he gets to stay in a clean place for a few months, with meals everyday. He probably doesnt see it at the time, but he has it very well. Once he gets out of the hospital he can barely walk because he hasnt used his legs in months, so he has to teach himself to walk again.
ReplyDeleteThe poor kids in school have been brainwashed into thinking that they will never become anything important in their society. They are told that they will be working for the wealthy and will never break- down the social barriers that surround them. Frank somehow finds the mental strength to surpass the generalizations of poor Irish children. He finds escape in learning, Shakespeare, books, and radio shows. Especially after his father, Malachy, abandons the family and moves to England to “work” in a munitions factory, we see Frank become even more determined to help improve his own life, as well as his family’s. Laman is a despicable character: he takes advantage of Angela’s wretched and desperate situation to the point where she feels as though her only resort is to sleep with him- that’s all she has left to give! Also, I thought it was pretty terrible of him to toy with Frank and forbid him to borrow the bicycle because Frank forgot to empty his chamber pot. And when Frank tried to reason with him, Laman started beating him! I’m glad Frank went to the Abbot’s place, but was upset that he wasn’t fed there- does this kid ever catch a break?! It is sad that Frank doesn’t have a reliable father to teach him about life and growing up. Frank seems a little lost when it comes to puberty and sex, so he naturally decides to experiment. Somehow Frank presses on, despite his family situation, and lands a better job with the post-office. He always keeps his eye on the prize: America!
ReplyDeleteI was glad that Angela decided to stop having kids and not moving an inch when Malachy complained and complained about it. I think that this was the strongest thing she has done this entire book and I think that it was one of the things that kept Malachy in England. With Malachy gone, their lives have gone from bad to worse and I think it is the saddest thing in the world. When Malachy goes to England, I honestly thought that he was going to do right by his family and I kept thinking that the wages would come and I think it is so sad that they never came. I felt like with Malachy gone, except from the Laman saga - that Angela really stepped up and that she ended up being a good mother. I liked the part of the book where she looks into the ashes when everything is going wrong and I thought that was a good analogy and symbol. I really enjoy this book and it's hard to believe how much of a hard worker Frank is, and I know that he will make it to America. I kind of wish that he could have continued his schooling, but I understand why he didn't want to. I think that it is really disgusting how they wouldn't even let him in. I couldn't believe it when Aunt Aggie bought him clothes for his post office job!
ReplyDeleteI think these chapters were some of the saddest chapters we've read in the book so far. In agreement with everyone else I was glad Angela decided to speak up and say no more children. However the fact that Malachy didn't send any money from England and eventually never came back made me sick. I never thought he was a good guy, but I didn't think he was capable of something so horrible. It's undeniable that Frank realizes exactly what's going on with his father now, and pretty much despises him. I was glad that he got to meet and work with Mr. Hannon for a little while as he got to see what it felt like to do mans work and have a positive adult role model. I'm not sure exactly which chapter it was, but Frank explained for almost a whole page about what he was going to do for his family when he got money. That was the part that made me so sad that such simple things like food and shelter were something Frank dreamed about giving his family someday. I also can't believe Frank has to be hospitalized for another infection - his eyes. Frank really doesn't have any luck, he tries so hard in school and work when he has it but only bad things seem to happen to him. I also wish Frank would've been able to continue school and feel so bad when he gets yet another door slammed in his face. I do feel that Frank's kind heart will get him somewhere soon though.
ReplyDeleteI am glad to see that Angela finally decided to have no more children. It seems as though she is trying to be a little more responsible about things. It was sad to find out that Frank’s grandmother had died. Even though she despised Angela and her family, she was still willing at times to help them out and find a place for them to stay. She ended up staying with her cousin, who is a jerk. He treats Angela and Frank badly. So I thought it was good that Frank moved out of his house and stayed with his Uncle. He started his job not long after he moved in to his grandma’s old house. It was very thoughtful of his Aunt to go and buy Frank some new clothes, that just goes to show she isn’t as mean as they make her out to be, but I’m sure at times she can be mean. Frank ended up doing a very good job at the Post Office as being a telegram boy. He made some decent tips and was planning on saving his money so he could get away from Ireland and go over to America and stay for good this time. But then, his mother and brothers moved in to his Uncle’s house. So now Frank has to help his mother with food and things. All the money he would have been saving to go to America now goes toward helping out his mother. All in all I think that is a very respectable thing of Frank to do. I’m sure that within time he will be able to start saving his money again, on the hopes of getting to America.
ReplyDeleteThese few chapters were pretty sad. Frank literally saw his mother begging. That's got to be the most crushing feeling for a child. He's also old enough where he can connect that fact to his father's alcoholism. If I were Frank I'd feel like my father would rather have a pint than feed me, and that would have to be crushing. So with Malacy Sr. off being useless, Frank has to care for his sick mother. Since he's still little he has to resort to stealing. He has to steal to keep his mother alive. Eventually someone finds out and comes to save Angela. So Malacy Sr. comes back to make sure she is alright, since she is he sends a small amount of money before he goes back to being useless.
ReplyDeleteI think these past few chapters have made it a little easier to hate Malacy Sr. He's been off in England, so now, he's making a lot of money and drinking all of it away, and he's not even doing the things he use to do, like tell his kids stories. None of his good quality's can be shown from across the sea, so I don't like him as much anymore.
The last few chapters have really shown Frank growing up. He was strong enough to move out of Laman’s house and into the Abbot’s. He also got a real job all on his own. We also see him discovering sex, and turning into a man.
ReplyDeleteI was really proud that Frank has been able to make his own decisions. After being beat up by Lamen he leaves to live with Abott, even though he has to leave his mother and brothers behind. I think he realized that he needed to start looking out for himself, instead of always being held down by his mother’s and father’s poor decisions.
He is also mature enough to see that it is imperative that he gets a job, and after blowing his first paycheck on sweets, he realizes that he needs to start saving. Most 14 year old boys aren’t mature enough to make that decision on their own. He is a hard worker at his job and even helps the people he delivers to by running errands for them. While it’s not allowed, he just doesn’t have the heart to say no when they ask for a favor.
Frank seems to be struggling a little with his sexual thoughts, but I don’t think this is abnormal for a boy his age. I do wish that someone had talked to him about sex other than Mikey. It’s unfortunate that Frank doesn’t really have anyone to look up to in his life.
I agree with Kayla and everyone else has said that they are very glad to know that Angela finally sworn of sex, even though she should have did that awhile ago. In this chapter we also see Frank’s dad leave for England and pays the family a little bit of money but then stops paying all together. This really makes me angry because no matter what your situation is, how can you leave your loved ones behind? I guess he is way too big of an Alcoholic and can’t handle it anymore, but to me that is no excuse! I don’t really look at Angela in disgust for sleeping with Laman because I think that a parent will do anything to give their kids better living conditions. She’s sleeping with him for shelter for her a family and at least getting her family a little bit of food. It is pretty sad but then again I have the out most respect for her for keeping what is left of her family together. I also feel really happy for Frank for finally finding a true father figure in Mr. Hannon. Mr. Hannon gives Frank hope and really believes in Frank and to be completely honest this is what Frank exactly needs. Also through these chapters we really watch Frank mature a lot because he is taking on more responsibilities with work. I think Frank really meeting Mr. Hannon did ten-folds for Frank as becoming a man.
ReplyDeleteNick Cheyney
As I get further and further into Angela’s Ashes I can’t help but ponder the question asked in class, “How would you act in Frank’s situation?” As the story progressed through chapters nine, ten, and eleven, I can’t say that I would have kept my sanity. With his father going off to England and leaving them penniless, Frank was force to steal for his family. I admire his courage and ability to survive, and yet he still remained elevated in his quests and curiosity.
ReplyDeleteAt the beginning of chapter nine, McCourt shows an aspect of his family that has plagued all of Ireland. Malachy’s departure to England for a factory job represents a greater malaise within Irish culture; the Irish aspired to leave their country, rather than help it grow. Even as Malachy left for a factory job, Frank and the rest of his family still remain penniless. This was perhaps the most difficult part of the story for me to read. it gets so frustrating to know that the McCourts were presented with opportunities; however, Malachy seems to always drink them away.
While Frank takes a Robinhood outlook on his life, I found it amusing that he was able to beat the rich kids in a soccer match. Although it seems like an insignificant event, it represents Frank’s equality with the upper class. The first step to achieving any type of goal is know you are able, and for McCourt, this was his turning point.
I agree with Chelsey in being glad that Angela decided not to have any more children. It seems as though their situation is constantly bogged down by the amound of children they have. Their situations would be much less difficult if they only had one mouth to feed.
Frank is slowly growing to be the man of the house. I like how quickly he has realized that he needs to step up for his incompetent father and be the man in the family. It was sad when the family moved in with Laman, and Frank gets beat. Angela feels the need to sleep with him just because he has housed their family. Malachy is a terrible character in this book and cant provide the family with much of anything. Frank keeps increasing his intelligence and making it known that he can amount to something without a strong father figure. It is sad to see Frank stuck in the same situation as the rest of Ireland, like being held back, or not being provided with the means to succeed. But I feel things will soon slowly start to get better for Frank and he will soon embrace opportunities as they present themselves.
ReplyDeleteI'm not one bit surprised with the father's actions of abandaning the family again after his visit during Angela's sickness. Although I am surprised with the actions of Angela herself when they moved in with Laman. I'm not talking about the sexual relations she had with Laman. I'm talking about not standing up for your child while he is being abused by an adult right in front of you. Through out the book I gave the mother credit for not giving up on her kids and trying to be there for them, and then she lets Frank get beat up and doesn't go after him. Instead she sent Micheal to try and get Frank to come back. I think had every right to finally stand up for himself to Laman, and he had every right to loose respect for her mother. I've come to respect Frank a lot on how grown up and responsible he has became. Getting a job and helping support his brother says a lot about his character. After Angela moves in with Ab and Frank she ended up screwing Frank over by collecting the dole when she had no bills and Frank had a job. So now Frank has to forfeit all of his earnings leaving him nothing without a choice. I cant believe she would do that to her own child. It's easy to see that my sympathy for Angela has ran out. My sympathy is no longer for the family, but for the kids who are dragged from place to place with no sign of a clear future. Out of all of them Micheal is the only kind hearted straight arrow. He understands his family is poor, but it doesnt stop him inviting less fortunate people and animals into the house. He even goes around from door to door to beg for food without shame, but the food is for the guests and not him or his family.
ReplyDeleteI would have to agree with Ryan when he said these few chapters were pretty sad and how franks saw his mother begging and how hard that would be. I would imagine so too that that would be hard to overcome. Also the comment he made about his father deciding to get a pint instead of feed him. That would make me hate my father yet Frank still has love for him.
ReplyDeleteChapters 9-11
Angela decides that she is having no more children. That has to suck for Malachy because that means no loving for him. I think that was a good call because they can barely afford to take care of what they have now let alone another child. Frank gets an eye infection which is very unfortunate because he is in the stage where he enjoys reading and has a hungry for knowledge. Frank is a good boy who tries to help his family and learn and I think he knows that getting smart is his way out of poverty. It’s sad that he has to steal food for his family and beg for coal. He even ends up stealing the coal after the begging did not work. Frank is getting jobs left and right. I do not recall wanting to work at the same age as he was. He ends up joining a soccer team with his brother Malachy. He discovers through searching through an old cabinet that he was born only 6 months after his parents married and he didn’t know what it meant. His friend Mikey tells him he is doomed, I’m not sure how I could react to that. Later Frank realizes he is not doomed which was good judgment on his part.
Chapters 12-15
Franks father Malachy returns home worthless as always. He gives them a box of chocolates half eaten and promises them things that he cannot give them. The McCourts get kicked out of their home and have to go live with their cousin Laman. Laman is not a very nice individual. Malachy Jr. decides to off to the army school of music in Dublin. He receives food, bedding and clothing there which is definitely a change. Franks Gram dies which is a sad event but by now it does have much effect on Frank because he has seen so much of it before. Frank gets another job as a telegram messenger and he receives the route with the wealthy people on it. The Carmodys are on his route and this is where he meets Theresa. Theresa is a girl a little older than him and one day Frank wrecked and she took him in to help him. Things escalated and Frank had his first intimate relation with Theresa. She later becomes sick and passes. This has to be very hard for Frank. He is worried that he has sent her to Hell because of the sin that they committed before she passed. He spends some time in the church and prays for Theresa.
Jonathan Taylor
Angela’s decision to stop having children seems to be the first time that anyone is able to take some definitive action, which is a step in the right direction. However, this also seems to be one of the factors that drives Malachy to England. Although he promises to send money but I don’t think it was a surprise to anyone when nothing arrived. With Malachy gone, it leaves the family with no money coming in and they are forced to get public assistance which Angela sees as quite shameful, although it seems as in many people are receiving help. Frank gets another illness, this time pink eye, which seemingly never fully goes away. Creatively they are able to glean some humor from their circumstance by calling the upstairs Italy. Frank, now left to try to provide something for the family turns to lifting bread and lemonade. Mercifully, Uncle Pa takes Frank under his wing and give him some guidance that he was lacking but Aunt Aggie feels no sympathy for the desolate troupe and treats them quite poorly.
ReplyDelete