Depiction and Characteristic of The Working Class Families Angela's Ashes

Introduction

While reading Angela's Ashes in my junior year of high school, I thought about how life must have been for other families with low incomes during the Great Depression. Although Angela's Ashes takes place mainly in Ireland during the Potato Famine, I believe that what the McCourt family went through was very similar to the struggles that the working class experienced in the United States in the 1930s. The book outlines the life of Frank McCourt being Catholic and Irish in Limerick, Ireland. Throughout Angela's Ashes, the daily struggles for food, shelter, medical care, and education are vividly described as Frank McCourt reflects on his life.

The Miserable Childhood

One small paragraph in the book stands out as very moving. In this paragraph, McCourt explains his view of his childhood. He says, "When I look back on my childhood, I wonder how I managed to survive at all. It was, of course, a miserable childhood: the happy childhood is hardly worth your while. Worse than the ordinary miserable childhood is the miserable Irish childhood, and worse yet is the miserable Irish Catholic childhood" (McCourt, 1996, p. 11). This paragraph not only gives his perception of growing up poor, Catholic, and Irish, but also provides a little background on his general view of life from a child's eyes.

Comparative Analysis

In this paper, I will not only explain the significance of this book on the current media trend but also compare and contrast McCourt's life with the lives of many working-class Americans during the same time period. There are many parts of the book that could be very significant in relating the main points of working-class life. By examining these aspects, we can gain a deeper understanding of the socio-economic challenges faced by individuals and families during these historical periods.

Historical Context

I am planning on tying in articles about the Great Depression and the Potato Famine, as well as highlighting the startling similarities. In one instance, McCourt writes, "No, no matter what, she can't bear the thought of putting us in an orphanage. That might be all right if you had the like of Boys Town in America with a nice priest like Spencer Tracy, but you could never trust the Christian Brothers out in Glin who get their exercise beating boys and starving the life out of them. Mam says there's nothing left but the Dispensary and the public assistance, the relief, and she's ashamed of her life to go and ask for it. It means you're at the end of your rope and maybe one level above tinkers, knackers, and street beggars in general" (McCourt, 1996, p. 250).

Frank McCourt's Journey

Frank McCourt came to the United States when he was nineteen years old and proceeded to get a college education and become an English teacher. He later wrote Angela's Ashes and won the Pulitzer Prize for this amazing book. The book was also turned into a movie, which I feel gives an even more accurate picture of growing up as poor and working class. McCourt's journey from poverty to literary success is an inspiring story of resilience and determination, offering valuable insights into the transformative power of education and perseverance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Angela's Ashes serves as a poignant reminder of the hardships faced by the working class during the Potato Famine in Ireland and the Great Depression in the United States. By examining McCourt's experiences and drawing parallels to historical events, we can better appreciate the universal struggles of those living in poverty and the enduring human spirit that seeks to overcome adversity.

References:

• McCourt, F. (1996). Angela's Ashes: A Memoir. New York, NY: Scribner.