Angela And Frank Mccourt Character Analysis
The fourth commandment in Christian faiths states that one should “Honor thy father and mother.” Indeed, this thought process has been seen throughout history, especially in regards to children disobeying their parent’s wishes as they grow up. However, does there come a time when a parental figure is undeserving of respect? Why are children forced to subjugate themselves to their parent’s wishes, sometimes giving up their beliefs or identities to fit in with their guardian’s morals? This archaic idea that children must submit to their parents wishes is outdated and restricting. The idea that age equals the need for respect from younger people perpetuates quasi-abusive tendencies, further exacerbated by clashing ideas and values from younger
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However, when speaking of the interaction between Angela and Frank McCourt, a disillusioning and distant connection becomes apparent. Angela was extremely harsh towards Frank, especially when compared to her treatment of her other children. When in America, she put responsibility of Malachy almost exclusively on Frank’s shoulders, and blamed him for an accident caused by playground equipment. “She says, What did you do? What did you do to the child?” (McCourt 19) when discovering Malachy had bit his tongue after Frank’s departure from the seesaw that he had been playing on with his brother. Frank was three years old. Most three year olds, as a generality, do not have an understanding of physics or the ability to fully comprehend serious actions that may result in injury. Because Frank was the oldest, Angela shifted blame to him instead of taking responsibility for not supervising her toddler sons at all. This neglectful attitude eventually came to a head when Frank was forced to steal to provide food for his family because of Angela’s inability to get out of bed. This treatment caused Frank to have a maternal instinct towards his siblings, making sure that they had food, clothes, and the ability to eat. Her neglect also caused Frank to, almost obsessively, want a job so to better provide for his family, seen in his letter writing and Post Office employment. Although Angela eventually recovered from this episode, the effects of her neglect stayed with
However, when speaking of the interaction between Angela and Frank McCourt, a disillusioning and distant connection becomes apparent. Angela was extremely harsh towards Frank, especially when compared to her treatment of her other children. When in America, she put responsibility of Malachy almost exclusively on Frank’s shoulders, and blamed him for an accident caused by playground equipment. “She says, What did you do? What did you do to the child?” (McCourt 19) when discovering Malachy had bit his tongue after Frank’s departure from the seesaw that he had been playing on with his brother. Frank was three years old. Most three year olds, as a generality, do not have an understanding of physics or the ability to fully comprehend serious actions that may result in injury. Because Frank was the oldest, Angela shifted blame to him instead of taking responsibility for not supervising her toddler sons at all. This neglectful attitude eventually came to a head when Frank was forced to steal to provide food for his family because of Angela’s inability to get out of bed. This treatment caused Frank to have a maternal instinct towards his siblings, making sure that they had food, clothes, and the ability to eat. Her neglect also caused Frank to, almost obsessively, want a job so to better provide for his family, seen in his letter writing and Post Office employment. Although Angela eventually recovered from this episode, the effects of her neglect stayed with