In his autobiography, Angela's Ashes, Frank McCourt tells the story of his childhood. He grew up in Limerick, Ireland and endured a childhood full of hardships. His father was an unemployed alcoholic and there rarely was enough money for food and rent. Throughout his childhood, the influence of Frank's mother Angela was much more powerful than that of his father Malachy. By examining the attitude, the pride and the presence of each parent, it is obvious that Angela McCourt helps shape her son's character in a much more beneficial way than her husband Malachy McCourt does.

The attitude of each parent has a significant influence on Frank McCourt's character. While Angela sincerely cares for her children and usually does everything in her power to help them, Malachy is only there occasionally and only helps when it suits him. Eventually...