Recently in Angela's Ashes, Frank's life takes a turn from decent to devastating. At 10 years old he is diagnosed with typhoid, causing him great discomfort and short lapses of unconsciousness. He is brought to the hospital where he meets a girl his age, Lilly, who has cancer. They become good friends, reading each other Shakespeare, and keeping one another company. Although things are surely rough for Frankie he looks at life rather optimistically, rarely complaining and appreciating small things. At one point Frank writes, "Dad nods and puts his hand on mine again. He looks at me, steps away, stops, comes back, kisses me on the forehead for the first time in my life and I'm so happy I feel like floating out of the bed" (McCourt 193). Just by reading these few lines I am able to understand that Frankie values love over everything else. He doesn't care that he is poor, he isn't feeling bad for himself because of his brutal condition, he gets happy just from his father's action of love.
Frank McCourt's memoir is so innocent I have no doubt in my mind he grows up to be an ethical person. Frankie not only recognizes the importance of recieving love, he recognizes the importance of giving it. When recalling his time at the hospital with his father McCourt writes, "He's like Paddy Clohessy the day I gave him the raisin. When he looks sad it's the worst thing in the world and I start crying" (McCourt 193). The fact a ten year old boy, terribly ill with typhoid fever, focus's his greatest worries on his father's sadness is amazing. I believe that although Frank McCourt's life was filled with despair and suffering, he was able to mature from it and he teaches himself what he believes is most important in life.
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6 comments:
I admire the fact that this little boy was able to take something harsh and not focus on it and let it fester, he found a friend with a condition as bad as his and he didn't let their illnesses decide how they are with each other. His condition is very scary and even though he's only 10 years of age he handles the situation maturely and i think thats really cool.
It's nice to hear that Frank is finding things to appreciate in his life such as the love he has versus stressing over everything that is wrong such as his financial state and his health. I also think the fact that he is only ten years old and suffering from a serious disease yet still able to focus n his father’s situation and try and improve it really shows his maturity. I agree with you and also think he will grow up to be an ethical person who knows what is important in life.
Its really cool that even though this 10 year old is suffering so much that he is still trying to live life as if it was normal. The usual things that a 10 year old would do like making friends.
It is amazing how different people react to a situation. After finding out that you have a terrible illness, many would choose to just give up but this ten year old boy holds on to the people around him and gets past it. It seems that love and support can sometimes be the perfect medicine.
His selfless acts, like caring about how others feel when he himself is suffering terribly, show his true character. I believe that you learn the most about a person's values when they themselves are in distress. I completely agree with you when you say he will grow up to be an ethical person.
WOW this post has a lot of comments. I probably dont have this many comments total. Ouch thats depressing. But alas I digress! The 10 year olds maturity level is impressive and inspiring. It is something that all of us could learn from. Most people break down if something like that happens to them but this child remains strong.
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