Unit 3. post 3.

The Drunkard by Frank O'Connor.

This was my favorite work of this unit. For what reason, because a nine year old got wasted in the process. That's why. That is not the main point of the story. The plot begins with the death of a character named Mr.Dooley, who is not important for any other reason than the fact that his death initiated a major change in the character of focus in this story. Larry's father is a man who is a good, hard working man with one downfall, his hubris if you will. That downfall is alcohol. After the funeral of Mr. Dooley, the father takes Larry, a nine year old to the pub. While at the bar, Mick, the boy's father, turns his back to talk with other patrons. Taking advantage of the opportunity to experiment, Larry chugged the pint of lager that his father had ordered. This kid gets HAMMERED. The father finds his son, plastered, and takes him home. The hilarity is not the focus of the story. The main point is the effect on the father's character. Seeing first hand how alcohol can make someone act, the father decides after that day that he would never drink again so he could set a good example for his children. The most important quote comes at the very end when the mother talks to Larry, saying "'My brave little man!'she said with her eyes shining. 'It was God did it you were there. You were his guardian Angel'" (O'Connor, 351). This is a touching moment because that one act of Larry getting drunk was enough to save his father from alcoholism, and, in turn, his family. It is an out loud family lesson of love and how small mistakes can have a profound positive change.