The Impacts of Social Stratification to Frank’s Life in Frank Frank McCourt’s Angela’s Ashes

Abstract

This thesis analyzes the major male character in Angela’s Ashes named Frank McCourt. The novel entitled Angela’s Ashes is his autobiography which won Pulitzer Prize as the best-selling novel. Angela’s Ashes was published in 1996. The subject of this thesis is about social stratification that happens in Europe, especially in Ireland. The social stratification in Ireland is different from India. Social stratification in Ireland is based on the system of class. This thesis focuses on social stratification in Ireland. Social stratification is the system to differentiate people based on strata or layers. The criteria used for determining social stratification explained in this thesis are wealth, power, and prestige. Firstly, this thesis explains about the character of Frank. Second, this thesis discusses the aspects influenced by social stratification as social rejection to Frank’s life in Angela’s Ashes as lower class. Then the impact of the social stratification in Frank’s life which makes him survives. The significance is also explained to know how important of social stratification. Inductive method is applied in this thesis. This thesis uses sociological approach to analyze social problems that happen to Frank’s life. It is a form of reasoning from the specific to the general. This thesis is conducted by means of library research in which the materials, data and information are collected from several books, encyclopedias, dictionaries, and internet. The results of the research show that, firstly, the characteristic of Frank as the main character are strong, optimistic, and brave boy. Secondly, the aspects influenced by social stratification as social rejection to Frank’s life. Thirdly, the impact of social stratification through Frank’s life, which makes Frank survive, and the last is the significance of social stratification for the noble and the church.