What themes are predominant?

One of the most predominant themes of this book was self sacrifice is extremely important to survive and better yourself in life as well as others. In the novel Malachy does not sacrifice his urge for alcohol and wastes his money in the pubs leaving his family with less money for essentials like food and water. Malachy made it hard and decided to not supply money for his family. Another theme is that people treated differently based on their social status. For example when Frank and his brother Malachy had to use tire to repair their shoes and make them wearable, other children pointed and laughed until the teacher broke up the scene.