The Depiction of The Theme of Hope in "Angela’s Ashes" and "The Street"

Introduction

"Angela's Ashes" and "The Street" are two descriptive short stories that employ vibrant imagery to craft vivid mental pictures. The use of similes and adjectives immerses the reader in the narratives, enhancing comprehension of the characters and plots. Both stories carry an underlying theme of hope, despite their backdrop of sorrow and poverty. Within the hardships and destitution, there lies hope — for the future and what it may hold, as well as hope in humanity.

The Theme of Hope in the Novels

In "Angela's Ashes," hope radiates through the familial bond as the children take care of each other. The eldest son assumes responsibility for his siblings, including Malachy, Michael, and Alphie. Despite their meager means and hunger, they savor simple pleasures like sipping tea, relishing breakfast with sugar, and sharing laughter, even as Alphie playfully smears sugar all over his face. This highlights the presence of hope even amid darkness, pain, and hunger—proof that joy can be found even in the most challenging circumstances. In "The Street," Lutie Johnson gazes up at a weathered sign after traversing a cold, bleak, and grimy town. She reads the sign rapidly, which promises "three rooms, steam heat, parquet floors, respectable tenants." It conveys that, despite the harsh environment, there is a glimmer of light ahead, offering hope for the future.

Imagery is skillfully employed in "Angela's Ashes" to depict hope for the future. The eldest son embarks on a journey to acquire bread for his family, passing by windows that offer glimpses of cozy homes, warm hearths, contented families, and hearty meals. He then seizes an opportunity when a van departs, leaving behind crates of beer and lemonade, his mother's favorite. He decides to take some, knowing that stealing is wrong, but driven by the need to provide food and solace for his siblings. Similarly, in "The Street," imagery is evoked during Lutie's frigid November walk, where gusty winds toss debris, dirt, and trash through the air. Despite the hardship, the story's conclusion reveals that her ordeal was worthwhile, as she finds relief and renewed hope.

Conclusion

"Angela's Ashes" and "The Street" are richly descriptive short stories, encompassing various themes—love, poverty, social issues, illness, and more. Yet, the prevailing and most significant theme is hope, which permeates both narratives. It serves as a counterbalance to the potential overwhelming despair and ensures that the stories remain poignant rather than bleak. "Angela's Ashes" underscores qualities like resilience, persistence, and perseverance, as the eldest brother assumes the role of protector and small, fortuitous events provide fleeting but valuable sustenance. "The Street" employs vivid imagery and expressive language to set scenes and emotions. Despite Lutie's arduous journey to her destination, the ultimate reward makes it all worthwhile, reinforcing the theme of hope.

These stories serve as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity to endure. They remind us that even in the face of adversity, as long as a glimmer of hope is held close, the darkest situations can be navigated with determination and strength.

Works Cited

1. McCourt, F. (1996). Angela's Ashes: A Memoir. Scribner.
2. Petry, A. (1946). The Street. Mariner Books.
3. Zehr, J. (1997). Angela's Ashes: A Memoir by Frank McCourt. Library Journal, 122(3), 156.
4. Berg, L. T. (1998). Alcoholism, a Family Disease: An Analysis of Frank McCourt's Angela's Ashes. The Midwest Quarterly, 40(4), 404-417.
5. Hume, B. (2019). Contextualizing Ann Petry's The Street. The Explicator, 77(3), 191-194.
6. Kim, J. H. (2017). Uprooting the Dream: The Grim Reality of Ann Petry's The Street. Studies in American Naturalism, 12(1), 23-42.
7. Brozinsky, C. A. (2011). Suffering and Hope in Frank McCourt's Angela's Ashes: A Memoir. South Atlantic Review, 76(1), 1-17.