PLOT - 3

Rising Above

When Laman won't allow Frank to use his bicycle, although Frank made a bargain and worked hard for the privilege, Frank leaves Laman's house and moves in with his Uncle Ab. Frank finishes school and when he turns 16 takes a job as telegram boy at the post office. It is a good job, and he imagines he can take care of his mother and brothers after he takes the post office exam and becomes a permanent employee.

During one of his deliveries, he meets Theresa Carmody, a rich girl sick with consumption, and loses his virginity. Heartbroken when she dies, he wonders whether he is responsible for her damnation. At about the same time, Mrs. Finucane, a moneylender, hires him to write collection letters, a job that disturbs his conscience but not enough for him to give up the high pay he gets. Realizing his education and skills might get him out of poverty—and encouraged by his teacher, Mr. O'Halloran, his neighbor, Mr. Hannon, and his Uncle Pa Keating—he decides not to take the post office exam and go to America instead.

From Limerick to New York

A few months after his 19th birthday, Frank sets sail for New York. Although sad to leave Ireland and his family behind, he is hopeful for the future, vowing to save enough money to buy passage for his family.