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Angela's Ashes Analysis

Decent Essays

Frank McCourt, in the memoir of his life, “Angela’s Ashes,” reveals his impoverished childhood. McCourt supports his revelations by telling his story from his point of view in a way that emotionally appeals to the reader, while adding specific songs, lines, and stories to detail his experience. The author draws the reader into an abhorrent story, but maintains a humorous attitude that keeps interest. McCourt discloses his childhood story in first person and by doing so, creates a story full of empathy, that manages to contain humor. The author even resorts to writing in a juvenile language that matures as his life story continues. The effect of changing his writing lets the reader connect to the story. The reader feels as if they are growing …show more content…

McCourt’s father had often insisted on McCourt to sing songs. By writing the words and lyrics to them, the reader becomes even more intrigued in the personal story. The bulk of the lyrics further portrays the Irish background of McCourt and his childhood. Since the whole story revolves around his life, it only makes sense to have his Irish roots planted within the story. The use of Irish folklore and colloquialism also builds the culture in which the author grew up in. Consequently, someone of non-Irish descent can not directly relate to McCourt’s life, but can still sympathize with him. Songs are widely part of human culture, and the comparison of his songs to songs the reader may know allows for a good amount of contrast. That is to say that the specificity of McCourts songs and relation to his father defines the story of being about him. The story, after all, is supposed to be one that is different from anyone else’s, not a story that everyone can relate to. McCourt acknowledged this in his story. One time Frank hears his younger brother singing along with with someone, and he says in the book, “I tell him stop, that’s Maisie’s song (Page 29).” Another time McCourt writes, “that’s my mother’s song and he is to stop singing it (Page 55).” Songs are clearly seen as personal to McCourt, and the fact that songs are written throughout the story further defines the fact this story is

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