How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Seamus says, 'Tis a grand thing to be eleven because any day now you'll be a man shaving and all ready to get out and get a job and drink your pint good as any man. (8.121)
This passage shows some of the rules that a boy must follow to achieve manhood. These ideas get pounded into Frank's head pretty consistently by the men in the story. Men work, men drink.
Quote #8
I feel sad over the bad thing but I can't back away from him because the one in the morning is my real father and if I were in America I could say, I love you, Dad, the way they do in the films, but you can't say that in Limerick for fear you might be laughed at. You're allowed to say you love God and babies and horses that win, but anything else is a softness in the head (8.167)
Frankie's a sensitive and emotional boy, but he can't show it. More rules about masculinity.
Quote #9
Dad says, The good Catholic woman must perform her wifely duties and submit to her husband or face eternal damnation.
Really? According to Malachy Sr., the Catholic Church states that Angela has to submit to Malachy Sr.'s sexual advances, otherwise she's going not only going against her husband but she's also going to hell. Now, we don't think that's actually part of Catholic dogma, but it sure suits Malachy Sr.'s needs, right? With five brothers they can't afford to feed, abstaining from having another child seems like the smart thing to do. But what's Angela to do if she's not only going against her husband's wishes but also the Catholic Church?