Q2 Outside Reading #6

One of the few times Malachy is there for his children, he decides he wants Frank to become an altar boy. Angela doesn't think he'll be accepted, but Malachy takes him through the steps. "Every evening after tea I kneel for the Latin and he won't let me move till I'm perfect" (McCourt 148). Religion is a part of Frank's world, he goes to a Catholic school, got confirmed, but that was all just part of school. His father really wants him to become more involved in religion, which will make him a more rounded person. Although Frank does his best, he is rejected from the church. His mother basically blames it on Malachy. "Oh, no, they want the nice boys with hair oil and new shoes that have fathers with suits and ties and steady jobs" (McCourt 149). Angela is pointing out that if Malachy were a more caring father then Frank probably could have been an altar boy. If Malachy would keep a job, bring home the paycheck and provide for his family, his boys would have a better life.