Analysis
McCourt’s wry humor undercuts the bleakness of his early
years, as he jokes that a happy childhood “is hardly worth your
while.” In spite of the hardship he endured, Frank remembers the
occasional happiness of his childhood in New York, playing with
boys from the neighborhood and listening to his father’s tales of
Ireland. The introductory paragraphs of Angela’s Ashes help
to distinguish Frank, the child telling his story in the present
tense, from McCourt, the grown man looking back on his life with
the informed perspective of an adult.
McCourt interrupts the flow of his narrative with snippets
of folk songs and old Irish tales, so that Ireland seems eternally
present in the world of New York. The theme of telling tales, and
the impact tales have on Frank, returns throughout the novel. The
narrator comes to depend on these imaginative excursions to provide
insulation from the cold realities of his life. Frank is fascinated
by Freddie Leibowitz’s tale of Samson, and is highly protective
of his own and all the neighboring children’s right to individual
stories. For instance, he scolds his brother Malachy for singing
a song that Frank thinks belongs to Maisie MacAdorey. Also, Frank’s
tale of Cuchulain unites him with his father. The narrator suggests
that in a world where material possessions are scarce, ownership
of songs and stories is crucial.
Malachy’s alcoholism—referred to only half-jokingly as
the “Curse of the Irish”—runs through this chapter. Frank recalls
only one period of respite from Malachy’s incessant drinking: the
few weeks following Margaret’s birth. The happiness of the McCourt family
around this time is poignant in contrast to the despair they endure
after the baby’s death. Angela, until this point a gritty, loving,
and responsible mother, is made miserable by the death. Food brought
by kind neighbors becomes a solace to Frank in his physical and
emotional state of need. However, even as he relishes Mrs. Leibowitz’s
soup, the boy wishes that his baby sister could be there to enjoy
it too. Such details shape our reaction to Frank as much as they
inform us of the events of his early childhood. Frank comes across
as loving, intelligent, and deeply sensitive to the emotions of those
around him.
McCourt conveys his childhood impressions of New York
with sensitivity and humor, while remaining true to the language
and sentiments of a four-year-old boy. For example, McCourt describes
his twin brothers’ diapers as “shitty” and includes all the silly
jokes he can recall sharing with his brother Malachy. McCourt’s
word choice and humor in this introductory chapter create a tone
that is both knowing and naïve.
