Summary of Chapters 14 & 15

In the beginning of chapter fourteen, Angela sends Frank's brother Michael to to him to give him a message. Michael brings food and pleads that Frank come home. While you might think that Frank caves, he actually tells Michael, "I live here now and am never going back." With that, Michael leaves and Frank continues on his journey of sin and guilt. He is only thirteen at the time, but develops an interest in learning about sex and when is found reading a book about it at a library, he is kicked out.

Later on, Frank begins his job at a post office on a Monday in more decent clothes that his Aunt Aggie buys for him and delivers his first telegram to Paddy Clohessy's mother. Frank soon realizes that he should save the money he earns in order to travel to America. While all of this is going on, the family reunites as young Malachy returns home from Dublin and Frank's brother, Michael, and mother, Angela begin to live at Uncle Ab's house. On a trip to deliver a telegram, Frank experiences his "first time" (sex) with an ill Teresa Carmody. He continues to return, enjoying her presence and the act of sex, but when he one day returns and finds Teresa's mother open the door instead, he feels a pang of guilt. He is forced to believe that her soul will now go to Hell because of the sins they took part in together and therefore hides behind a tree at her funeral.

• Do you think Frank is overreacting when he says that he believes he will be the reason Teresa's soul will be sent to Hell?
• Do you think Frank is making a good decision by saving his money to travel to America and leave his family behind?
• What do you think Frank's family's reaction will be to his departure? Do you think Angela will continue to try to make him come home trough Michael?