1. Ashes of Roses
Mary Jane Auch

2. Setting
1911
New York City

3. 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!!)

4. Characters Chapters 1-6 Margaret Nolan (Ma)- mother of 4 children
--not very happy about being in America

5. Michael Nolan “Da”- father of 4 children
Forced to go back to Ireland with his baby son

6. Bridget Nolan 4 year old daughter of Margaret and Michael
Small for her age
Very quiet

7. Maureen Nolan Twelve year old daughter of Margaret and Michael
Very stubborn
temper

8. 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)

9. Joseph Nolan
Baby of the Nolan family
Has to be sent back to Ireland

10. Uncle Patrick Da’s brother who lives in America
The family goes to live with him in New York City
Very friendly
Very welcoming

11. Elsa Uncle Patrick’s wife
Doesn’t like the idea that her husband’s family will be living with them.
Unfriendly
suspicious

12. Trudy, Hildegarde, and Friedrich
Uncle Patrick and Elsa’s children
The girls are very fashionable, American woman
Gibson Girl style

13. Themes The American Dream The Role of Women Hope and Despair
Elitism and Egalitarianism