How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
In fine weather men sit outside smoking their cigarettes if they have them, looking at the world and watching us play. Women stand with their arms folded, chatting. They don't sit because all they do is stay at home, take care of the children, clean the house and cook a bit and the men need chairs. The men sit because they're worn out from walking to the Labour Exchange every morning to sign for the dole, discussing the world's problems and wondering what to do with the rest of the day. (3.125)
Okay, we've tried to remain levelheaded here, but what really gets us about this passage, is the word all. " All women do is stay at home […]." As if taking care of kids, cooking, and cleaning are simple tasks. We'd like to see the men of Limerick try to do a woman's job day in and day out. Of course, McCourt was being very deliberate in using the word in that sentence. He knows all too well who's really doing the heavy lifting in the family.
Quote #5
Mam slaps me across the face and sends me flying across the kitchen. My heart is pounding and I want to cry but I can't because my father isn't there and I'm the man of the family. (7.130)
Tears are a big no-no because big boys don't cry, especially since Frank's gotta fill Malachy Sr.'s shoes. That seems like a lot of pressure to put on a boy.
Quote #6
Dad nods and puts his hand on mine again. He looks at me, steps away, stops, comes back, kisses me on the forehead for the first time in my life and I'm so happy I feel like floating out of the bed. (8.41)
We find it pretty surprising that this is the first (and only time) that Malachy Sr. kisses his son. An affectionate kiss shared between a father and son is an unusual gesture here. What is it about physical affection between two men that is so taboo? What does it have to do with the notion of masculinity?