Angela's Ashes

The impact of alcoholism on family is a central theme in Angela’s Ashes. For the working class of Limerick, alcohol use is a feature of daily life. What does the memoir have to say about the nature of how people in the book use alcohol?

Explain how the book contrasts idealism and gritty realism.

The way religion is taught to McCourt makes him question its wisdom and causes him confusion as he grows up. What is the broader implication of this as it relates to McCourt and to Ireland in general?

Frank’s father tells him the tale of Cuchulain at a young age, and Frank becomes very protective of the story. On multiple occasions he becomes antagonistic toward people who also know the story and try to tell it. What does this say about the nature of storytelling and how stories are passed down from one generation to the next?

There is quite a lot of discrimination evident throughout the story, particularly directed at Malachy McCourt. What are the ways the residents of Limerick express their prejudice, and what effect do you think discrimination has on Malachy directly?

The people in the story seem to have a common suspicion of all things English. In what ways is this suspicion cyclical and passed down through generations?

What is your interpretation of the title? Does it suggest a triumphant story or something more ominous? Explain your answer.

The memoir begins and ends not in Ireland but in America. Why do you believe McCourt chose this framing structure when the book is primarily about his upbringing in Limerick?