Angela’s Ashes Review Sheet
Multiple Choice Questions
What causes Angela and Malachy, Sr. to become romantically involved?
Angela had just arrived from Ireland and Malachy, Sr. was just released from jail.
Who helps the McCourts while living in Brooklyn?
Mrs. Leibowitz and Minnie McAdorey
Which children does Frank’s family lose?
The twins, Margaret, and Angela has one miscarriage.
With what fever is Frank afflicted after his Confirmation?
Typhoid fever
What happened to Uncle Pat Sheehan to make him mentally challenged?
Angela’s father was drunk and dropped him on his head as a baby.
Why does Aunt Aggie resent Angela?
Angela has no trouble getting pregnant but cannot support her children, while Aunt Aggie has
the means to take care of a child but cannot have one.
What does Malachy, Sr. often use as an excuse for not being able to get a job in
Limerick?
His northern accent.
What happens when Frank goes to become an altar boy?
Frank is sent away for being poor.
What happens to Frank on his Communion day that causes his grandmother to
take him to confession twice in two minutes?
Frank throws up the Eucharist in his backyard.
How do the people in Limerick view their enemies in World War II?
The people in Limerick joke about being thankful for the war because it has brought jobs and
prosperity to the town.
How is Frank affected by seeing his mother beg for food?
Frank is mortified and worried that he will be teased at school.
What effect does Mr. Timoney have on Frank?
Mr. Timoney has Frank read to him and this introduces Frank to new authors. Frank can also
confide in Mr. Timoney in ways he cannot with the other adults in his life.
With what illness is Frank afflicted for many years?
Pink eye
Despite having next to nothing, how does Frank’s family show compassion to their
neighbors?
Angela brings home homeless mothers and their children, Michael brings home stray dogs, and
Frank throws Mrs. Finucane’s ledger in the River Shannon.
How does Frank’s relationship with Theresa affect him?
Frank is overcome with guilt for fear that he sent Theresa to hell because of their sexual
relationship.
Why does Frank feel badly about writing letters for Mrs. Finucane?
Frank has to write threatening letters asking for owed money to his mother’s friends and
neighbors.
How does Uncle Pa Keating affect Frank in the later chapters of the novel?
Uncle Pa Keating continues to be a positive role model. He encourages Frank to avoid the post
office exam and getting stuck in Limerick.
What literary device is used in the following passage?
“Malachy has dog blood and the dog has Malachy blood.”
Symbolism
Who encourages Frank the most in his life?
Mr. O’Halloran, Mr. Timoney, and Uncle Pa Keating
Why does Frank finally feel he can go to America?
His mother and brothers secure decent jobs and he has saved enough money to make the trip.
Short Answer Questions
What role does religion play in Angela’s Ashes?
Does Frank’s stealing make him a criminal or are his actions justified? Explain your answer.
How are death and dying important to Frank’s development?