Identity
Frank McCourt grew up in Limerick,
Ireland, in poverty and struggle. He grew up to become a successful
teacher in New York and a best-selling, Pulitzer Prize winning
author. He has lived the immigrants life and is living proof that
the American dream, from rags to riches in the land of opportunity,
exists and can come true.
Life Story
Frank McCourt was born in Brooklyn, New York. When he was four
years old, his financially struggling parents moved back to Ireland
to live with his mother's old relatives. In Limerick, Frank's
father tried to find work, but could rarely keep a job, and never
kept what wages he earned. They lived in a state of dependence
and destitution throughout Frank's childhood. At age nineteen
Frank returned to New York City, where he eventually made enough
money to put himself through school and started his career working
in the New York Public School System. (back
to top)
Identity
McCourt sees his identity, as he was raised, as being an Irish
Catholic. However, his religion, as he sees it, is the downfall
and main obstacle in the lives of the Irish. The Catholic Institution
of the rest of Europe showed the benefits, good sides, and positive
aspects of the religion. For the Irish, it became the condemning
force that was the magistrate of their culture. The sins dictated
by the Bible laid their rules and restrictions that confined the
Irish people. Because the Irish did not have a culture or set
of traditions that would work hand in hand with Catholicism, religion
and alcoholism became the ruling aspects of day to day life. Frank
McCourt views the Church as the downfall and savior of the Irish.
Growing up, the Catholic church seemed to oppress the common teenager,
leaving them nothing to turn to. Frank, upon breaking from the
structure of his religion, felt liberated. The Irish Catholic
faith has shaped Franks past in his views and feelings, his upbringing
and sense of oppression that he believes kept his family and the
Irish people down. (back to top)
Helping the Irish find their voice
With the oppression of Catholicism, the
Irish culture were said to have lost their international influence
and recognition. Recently, they have been reborn and introduced
through authors and musicians that have told the Irish story.
Frank McCourts success in his best selling book, "Angela's
Ashes," raised the awareness of his people throughout America.
His contribution to American society shows the effect of immigrants.
-Because of writers like McCourt, more Irish are telling their story. The Irish culture and the tradgedy of childhood in the lower classes is becoming a more widely told story that is spread around the world. "
Related Links: Interviews with Frank McCourt
1. UNo MAS: Frank McCourt, Jim Saah. An In-depth, excellent interview on McCourts life, views, and hopes for the future.
2. Ann Online Interview: an Audio Clip interview (not written out)
3. The Writer - The New York State Writers Institute - Frank McCourt discusses his writing, book appraisal
Bibliography
1. Lexis-Nexis Articles:
A - The Houston Chronicle, Sept. 29, 1999. "'Tis His Opinion". Owen McNally
B - The San Diego Union - Tribune, Jan. 16, 2000. "McCourt's vision rises from 'Ashes' " Arthur Salm.
C - The Times Picayune. October 9, 2000. "Thanks for the Memoirs". Susan Larson.
D. The Times Picayune. October 19, 2000. "A Significant Life Lesson for All of Us". Kadee Krieger.
2. New York State Writers