Ashes of Roses Mary Jane Auch
Setting 1911 New York City
Summary A family immigrates from Ireland to start a new life for themselves in America Some of their family must leave to go back to Ireland and the girls are left to fend for themselves in New York City They struggle to survive by working at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory (more to follow on this topic!!)
Characters Chapters 1-6 Margaret Nolan (Ma)- mother of 4 children --not very happy about being in America
Michael Nolan “Da”- father of 4 children Forced to go back to Ireland with his baby son
Bridget Nolan 4 year old daughter of Margaret and Michael Small for her age Very quiet
Maureen Nolan Twelve year old daughter of Margaret and Michael Very stubborn temper
Margaret Rose Nolan “Rose” –changes her name to Rose to assert her independence as a new American woman 16 years old Oldest daughter Embodies The American Dream What is the American Dream?? (remember our course theme discussion)
Joseph Nolan Baby of the Nolan family Has to be sent back to Ireland
Uncle Patrick Da’s brother who lives in America The family goes to live with him in New York City Very friendly Very welcoming
Elsa Uncle Patrick’s wife Doesn’t like the idea that her husband’s family will be living with them. Unfriendly suspicious
Trudy, Hildegarde, and Friedrich Uncle Patrick and Elsa’s children The girls are very fashionable, American woman Gibson Girl style
Themes The American Dream The Role of Women Hope and Despair Elitism and Egalitarianism