Life is made up, not of great sacrifices or duties, but of little things, in which smiles and kindnesses and small obligations, given habitually, are what win and preserve the heart, and secure comfort.

Sir Humphry Davy

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Angela's Ashes Chapter 12

Frank's father Malachy Sr. returns home for Christmas promising that he has changed for the better... With him he brought home a half eaten box of chocolates. However, when the family tries to enjoy a sheeps head for Christmas dinner Malachy Sr. leaves immediately after dinner is finished.

Frank tries avoiding "respectable boys" whom he knows will get good jobs and succeed in life. Frank is convinced that he will spend the rest of his life in a job which caters to the upper class. Angela falls sick and is forced to spend most of her time at home... Chapter twelve details that every time Angela is asked for a donation of money she always takes the beggar home and feeds and clothes them herself.

The McCourts are in a lot of trouble with four weeks rent due and they have no money to pay it.. Also they have had to resort to tearing out one of their walls and burning it for warmth.. Angela warns the family to not touch the beam on the ceiling however, the family gets cold one day and cuts part of it down to burn. In doing this the roof collapses and once the landlord finds out he evicts the McCourt family. The McCourts then move in with Angela's cousin who doesnt treat her very well.

Frank announces that grandma has died from pnemonia and Frank's brother Malachy decides to join the Army School of Music in Dublin.

I am really starting to get frustrated with Frank's father Malachy... I understand he is gone trying to earn money for his family but it almost seems as though he has just abandoned his family because his being gone does not benefit the McCourt family in any way because the money which Malachy does earn he spends on alcohol for himself.... This puts Angela especially in a tough position with not being able to pay rent and having to tear a wall out of their house in order to stay warm...If anything Malachy seems to be a detriment to the McCourt family... It also is really good to see that Angela who has almost nothing is giving to those in need... It seems as though she must have a giant heart!

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