HW #1 (MP 5) due Friday

Chapter 4

1) How does McCourt capture the literal-mindedness of children when Frankie learns he must

prepare for his First Communion?

2) Does Mr. Benson, the schoolmaster, encourage curiosity among his students? How does he expect his pupils to learn?

3) Who gets the raisin from Frankie’s bun?

4) What makes Frankie start to worry about his First Communion?  

5) Why does Frankie almost miss his First Communion?

6) What is ironic about Grandma’s telling Frankie on page 128 that “a little spit won’t kill you”?

HW #10 Ch 3

1. The McCourts move once more after Eugene’s death. They are just getting settled in their new house when they get some unpleasant news about it. What is this news?

2. What is ironic about Dad’s attitude toward work and begging?

3. To whom does Frank try to confide his troubles and worries?

4. What literary device does McCourt employ in the paragraph on women’s and men’s roles on page 107? Explain.

5. How do Malachy and Frank show Dad their unhappiness that he spent the wages of his new job at the pub?

HW for the weekend-- Read Chapter 3.  Be prepared to discuss on Monday

HW #9

Read the rest of Chapter 2 (pgs 67-90)

1) Describe the two tragedies that befall the McCourt family. Be specific about the circumstances.

2) How does Malachy Sr deal with the these tragedies? How does Frankie respond to his father’s choices?

3) What is school like in Limerick?

HW #8 Read pg. 47-67.  

1) How is the McCourt family greeted by the a) McCourts?  b) Sheehans?  

2)   What is their new home like?  

3) What is a "docket"? Explain how it works.

If you plan to read the book online, the full-text is here. 

HW #7 pg 28-46 (end of chapter 1)

1.  Who was Cuchulain?  Why was this story so important to Frank?

2.  How does the death of Margaret affect the family?  
3.  How do the neighbors try to help the McCourts?  Be specific.

4.  Why do the cousins send the McCourts back to Ireland?  Was this a good decision on their part? Explain.

If you plan to read the book online, the full-text is here.

HW #6 Read the article about the history of violence in Ireland.  

Using facts from the article, 1) describe “the terrible things [the English did to us] for eight hundred long years” referenced in McCourt's list of “the Irish version” of the miserable childhood. Then 2) explain what made McCourt include this line in his list of woes.