Reply To: The Searcher: How does the author address current affairs?
Ratty jeans, hole in sneaker, hand me down hoodie and hunger are all indications of the poverty with which Trey lives. The pride of not wanting to be a charity case, but providing payment to Cal is illustrated by Trey bringing baked goods, sausages, etc. Sheila Reddy refused the new socks Cal bought. That pride was evident in her reply: “I’m not so poor that I can’t afford to give away a pair of old socks.” Poverty is also seen in the young leaving for the cities to find a better life. Some choose suicide or alcoholism because they do not see the possibility of a better life. “Now there’s too many things you’re told to want, there’s no way to get them all, and once you’re done trying, what have you to show for it at the end?” The young women are more adaptable, but young men don’t know what to do with themselves. I think this quote shows the pride, fear of failure and need for instant gratification which seems to be the bane of the young men. They want something, but working for it takes too long, if work can be found. I think this is also part of the vicious cycle of poverty.
The author also addresses the drug problem which is flowing from Dublin into the village. The drug problem ties into the issue of poverty. Brendan saw setting up a meth lab as a solution to his family’s poverty.
