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Allusions
Dialect
Explanation and Analysis—Irish English:
Throughout Angela’s Ashes, McCourt’s use of various local dialects of English increases the reader’s sense of realism and immersion in the story. In particular, McCourt carefully captures the sound of Irish English, including some Irish words and nonstandard spellings, in order to bring the world of early-20th-century Limerick to life.
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Chapter 1
Explanation and Analysis—Chewish Neighbors:
In this passage Mrs. Leibowitz, the McCourts' neighbor in New York, welcomes Frank and Malachy into her apartment when Frankie goes to apologize for having hit her son Freddie. McCourt uses nonstandard spelling and grammar to represent her accented speech and Hebrew-tinted English dialect:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Mrs. Leibowitz says, Oh, Frankie, Frankie, come in, come in. [...] Sick she is. Zat is one sick baby. I know from sick babies. I work in hoztipal. Don’t tell me, Frankie. Come in, come in. Freddie, Freddie, Frankie is here. Come out. Frankie won’t kill you no more. You and little Malachy. Nice Chewish name, have piece cake, eh? Why they give you a Chewish name, eh? So, glass milk, piece cake. You boys so thin, Irish don’t eat.
Related Themes:
Chapter 2
Explanation and Analysis—Och:
Malachy Sr. uses the word "och" repeatedly to express his helplessness and frustration in moments of grief and hardship. For example, he repeats it several times as Frank describes his parents’ very different reactions to the death of his brother Oliver:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Dad stands facing the wall over the fire, beating on his thighs with his fists, sighing, Och, och, och. Dad frightens me with his och, och, och, and Mam frightens me with her small bird sounds and I don’t know what to do.
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