2. Why does it seem that Nora Molloy enjoys being taken to the asylum?
(a) Her kids drive her crazy, and she enjoys the break.
(b) She enjoys the company in the asylum.
(c) She is in love with one of the doctors.
(d) She is the only one they have to drag out, because she enjoys the quiet and escape from the "real" world.

3. What is Paddy's dream?
(a) To travel to China and adopt children.
(b) To start his own business in America.
(c) To become a doctor.
(d) To run away to India.

4. Why does Angela go to Malachy's job?
(a) To show her children where their father is working.
(b) To visit her husband and bring him lunch.
(c) To ask his boss to give her Malachy's wages.
(d) To apply for a job herself.

5. Why does Angela tell her children to stay inside at the beginning of Chapter 9?
(a) It is cold outside.
(b) The other families are bragging about the money their fathers sent home from England.
(c) The boys at school are bullying the younger boys.
(d) There is consumption going around.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Frank's father tell the officials from the St. Vincent de Paul Society about their lavatory?

2. What does Frank read to Mr. Timoney?

3. How do the McCourts get back to Angela's family?

4. Why does Angela think Mr. Timoney lost his cleaning woman?

5. How does Frank spend his tuition money?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 9, why is the family shamed when no telegram arrives?

2. Chapter 1 begins the pattern of Malachy losing his jobs. To what extent do you believe he is responsible for this pattern? Is he a victim of fate, or do his actions cause these negative consequences?

3. In the beginning of Chapter 9, Angela tells Malachy she is done having children. What is she really saying, considering their religious background?

4. There are several instances where Frank begins to show his rebellious nature in Chapter 5. Describe these instances.

5. Why is Mikey not considered a "proper" Catholic?

6. Discuss Malachy's attitude towards work in Chapter 3.

7. How does the reader see Frank's emerging sexuality in Chapter 8?

8. Frank is hospitalized again in Chapter 9. What might this tell you about his overall health, and what might be the cause of it?

9. Describe the effect Margaret's death has on the family in Chapter 1.

10. Why does the man at the IRA office refuse Malachy and his family bus fare home in Chapter 2?

(see the answer keys)

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