Angela's Ashes - Frank's Father's Drinking

Frank’s father’s drinking affects him in several ways. His father’s absence forces him into a position of responsibility at a young age. The poverty that is a consequence of purchasing alcohol requires Frank to witness mother’s desperation, which results in shame. A conflict in a child who loves his father, but is also conscious of his father’s destruction with alcohol is ensued.
Frank’s father’s alcoholism prevented him from being a reliable father and husband. Due to his drinking and irresponsibility, the role of the man of house was left open. Frank was forced at a young age to accept responsibility, and fill this position. When Mam falls ill and is sick in bed wanting lemonade, Frank feels he has to be the one to get it for her. His father is not around to do this for his wife, and even if he were he probably wouldn’t. Frank had to steal to the lemonade from Kathleen for his ill mother. He feels this is wrong, but due to his sense of constant respons...