Senior Study Guide, Comprehension Test, and Final Essay

Seniors, you will have your Angela's Ashes comprehension test on Monday, December 10. This study guide is also due on that day. The comprehension test is no mystery--if you complete and answer these questions then you will do well on the exam.

1.       What is the name of the school teacher who inspired Frank? In what ways does this teacher inspire him?
2.      What does Frank think will happen when he goes to America? Why is this his ultimate desire? What drives Frank to America?
3.      What is the relationship between Malachy (the brother) and Frank? What examples from the text support your beliefs on this?
4.      How does Frank’s father’s abandonment shape teenage Frank in Ireland? In what ways does it have long term effects?
5.      Why does Angela move in with Lamen?
6.      What is the symbolism of The Irish Oak? What is The Irish Oak? Explain.
7.      Why did McCourt end the book with ‘Tis?
8.      What does the role of guilt play through the novel? Give three instances.
9.      How is Ireland different than American in the 1930s – 1940s? Explain the economic culture.
10.   Why is this book is titled Angela’s Ashes?
11.   Why do you think McCourt offered to discuss such personal instances about his life in this memoir? Give examples of the text to support your point.
12.   What do you think the human experience means?

Seniors, your final essay prompt was handed out on Thursday, December 6. You have two weeks to work on your final. There is no excuse to fail this final--you should be over-prepared!

Let me know if you have any questions.

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Best of luck to all of you during this study week!

Ms. Tomasik