Angela's Ashes: Parental Conflict

Conflict between parent and child has been a theme used throughout literature for hundreds of years. It can even be found in relatively recent literature such as Frank McCourt’s 1996 memoir entitled Angela’s Ashes. In the case of Angela’s Ashes, the conflict between Frank and Malachy is accompanied by Frank’s understanding of his father and Malachy’s love for his children.
The major cause of conflict is caused by Malachy’s alcoholism. He is never employed for more than a few weeks and every penny that he receives is spent at the pub. His alcoholism eventually causes his impoverished family to go on “the dole” and even resort to begging for and stealing food. After his wife gives birth to Alphonsus, Frank’s grandfather sends the family five pounds. Frank and his brothers try to stop Malachy but their efforts are futile; he spends the baby’s money at the pub. When Malachy goes to find work in England, he again uses the money for “pints”; the only thin...