Analyse af Frank O'Connors novelle 'The Drunkard'

"The drunkard” is a story written by Frank O’ Connor. The story takes place in a small village in Ireland. The theme in the text is alcoholism. Frank himself had struggled with a tough childhood, and an alcoholic father, which is probably the reason why he wrote the story, and also his inspiration. The story itself is a drama, with funny elements. He has used some of the humorous devices to make it fun to read.

Frank O’Conner took his own childhood as the inspiration in the story. Frank O’Conner was born and raised in Cork which is a city located in Ireland. His own father was strongly addicted to alcohol, and couldn’t keep a job. Just like Delaney. He left his family and attended theatre and writing groups. “The drunkard” was his way to handle his own psychological scars.

Larry’s father has a drinking problem, but it is Larry’s who ends up getting drunk. His dad, Mick Delaney, has had a drinking problem, which affects the whole family. Because of his drinking problem he doesn’t show up at work. After a funeral, where a close friend to Mick Delaney is buried, they go into a nearby pub. Larry’s mother had send Larry to go with his dad, and prevent him from drinking. His dad orders his first pint, but gets distracted. Larry wonders how it tastes and takes a sip, and then another one. After a little while he had emptied the glass. He feels dizzy. Larry’s father is horrified when he finds out that his son drank the whole glass. Larry is drunk now, talking weirdly and stumbling around. He gets sick and runs out to throw up, on his way out he runs into a wall. Larry’s father is embarrassed. He has to take his drunken son home, while Larry sings loudly on the streets, and the neighbours are laughing.