Angela's Ashes Chapter Summary & Analysis - Chapter 12 Summary

Chapter 12 Summary

As the twelfth chapter opens, Angela and the children receive a letter from Malachy saying that he is coming home two days before Christmas. He claims to be "a new man," and promises that "everything will be different." Angela takes Frank, Malachy, Michael and Alphie to the train station to meet her husband; but Malachy does not arrive until the next day. Although his front teeth are missing and he has a black eye, Malachy denies having been in a fight. He gives Angela a half-eaten box of chocolates, but offers no explanations for his late arrival, appearance or lack of money. Angela and the children accuse Malachy of using his money to drink. Malachy leaves again after Christmas dinner, saying only that he is going to London.

Angela remains in bed. Frank and Malachy light the morning fire and Frank describes their desperate poverty and shame. As Frank, Malachy...
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