In "Angela's Ashes," by Frank McCourt, "The Sniper," by Liam O'Flaherty and "The Wind that Shakes the Barley," by Robert Dwyer Joyce, characters often face situations in which they must act to save themselves and their loved ones. ... When the priest asks Frank why, Frank replies "I was hungry, Father... there was nothing in my belly"" (McCourt 184). ... Frank believes that life is worth living. ... "I make sure no one is looking, grab a bunch of bananas outside the Italian grocery shop and run down Myrtle Avenue, away from the playground, around the block and back to the other end"...

• Word Count: 1432
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School