Four Things That Impacted Frank Mccourt’s Life

Four Things That Impacted Frank Mccourt’s Life

Four things that impacted Frank McCourt’s life

Frank McCourt endured many hardships to enable himself to get where he is today. He saw so much death in the family that it almost became routine. Frank’s father had a drinking problem, and that presented many problems for the McCourts including hunger and poverty. Franks love of literature, and his Catholic background also aided in shaping his life.
Malachy Sr. was no doubt, an alcoholic. He worked at dead end jobs, only to spend his earned wages on more alcohol to consume. Frank’s father was arguably the biggest contributor to the McCourt’s malnutrition and low income. Even though Malachy Sr.’s alcoholism was an addiction and a burden, alcohol was still considered honorable and to be a type of medicine in the Irish culture and that didn’t help their situation. Many people would think it was unbelievable that while the McCourt family was in a time of financial struggle, Malachy continued to blow his money on alcohol and waste away. Frank didn’t see things in this light. He stayed loyal even through the roughest of times, and always had respect for his father. He didn’t think about the times that Malachy tried to abandon his family, but rather he cherished the good times he had with his father like when he sat down and told him old Irish folktales. Malachy’s instability was a key in the gaining maturity of young Frank. He often was forced to watch out for his father, and to bring him home from the bars when it got too late. He gained maturity by taking on the responsibilities of a father figure.
The McCourt’s malnutrition and near starvation was one of the most important themes brought up time and time again in Frank’s life. His family’s money was scarce and it was a rare sight to see a good meal on the table. When they did get food, it was rarely satisfying. Even though the family more than qualified for charity, they didn’t feel right accepting handouts. They were needy, but still retained their pride. When...

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