Roy Disney explains that "It's not difficult to make decisions when you know what your values ​​are." This is an important theme for the characters of Stephen Dedalus from A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce and of Frank McCourt from Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt. The two things in life that are supposed to provide stability (parents and church) have failed, which is why Stephen and Frank discover that only through self-reliance can they ever experience true freedom from the forces that have bound them. They. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Stephen's parents disappoint him by not supporting him emotionally while Frank's parents do not support him physically. Right before Stephen leaves for college, his father shouts to his brothers, "Is that lazy bitch of your brother out yet?" (135). Stephen's father shows a lack of respect for his son by calling him lazy and goes on to imply that he is not very masculine. His father belittles him in front of the family and doesn't even apologize for his harsh words. Even Stefano's mother disappoints him because "she had seen the faith that was weakening in his soul grow old and strengthen in his eyes" (126). Stephen sees his mother choose religion over him. His mother decides to trust the Catholic Church over her son, which shows that her support is not towards Stephen. Due to the lack of emotional support from his parents, Stephen must look within himself for strength. Frank's parents support him emotionally, but do not adequately provide the support he needs physically. Angela "hopes that [Malachi] can bring home something from the farm, potatoes, cabbages, turnips, carrots, but he will never bring anything home because he would never stoop so low as to ask a farmer for anything" (95). Frank's father lets his pride take control of his life, even if it means his family will starve. Frank rarely gets enough food to satisfy his appetite because his father is too proud to beg for food. When Angela wants to move because of illnesses the toilet might spread, Malachy explains: "We can't move again. Where are we going to get a house for six shillings a week?" (92). Frank can't live in a clean house because his family can't afford it. His family is constantly moving due to their financial situation, and each house is more dilapidated than the last. Despite the emotional support provided to Frank by his parents, they have great difficulty feeding and housing him. Like his parents, the Catholic Church also disappoints Stephen by falsely accusing him of lying about his broken glasses and disappoints Frank by denying him service. the opportunity to be an altar boy. After Stephen states that he has been excused from schoolwork, Father Dolan says, "Out here, Dadalus. Lazy little schemer" (37). An important figure in his church doubts his honesty and verbally humiliates Stephen in front of his classmates. So Father Dolan physically punishes Stephen even when he tells his father the truth. Stephen goes to the rector and when the rector takes Father Dolan's side, Stephen tries to explain to the rector, "But I told him I broke them, sir, and he made me mad" (43). The rector also doesn't believe Stephen and reluctantly tells him that he will talk to Father Dolan about the situation. Stephen gives the church another chance to prove itself, but the church falls short and ends up ignoring Stephen's complaints. Frank is offended by the church because he is denied the opportunity to become an altar boy and continue his careerschool. Under the advice of a teacher, Frank and his father go to church, but "Stephen Carey looks at him, then at me. He says, We have no room for him, and closes the door" (149). When the church closes its doors to Frank, it becomes clear that the church does not embrace people of all social classes. Even though Frank spends tireless hours memorizing Latin and reading the Bible, church officials can't see through his tattered clothes and dirty face. Frank goes to church with his mother to see how to continue his education, but they reject him yet another time. As they leave, the mother says, “It's the second time the Church has closed the door in your face” (289). Frank offers the church a second chance to redeem itself, and once again it fails to accept him. It is only through the church that Frank has the opportunity to further his education and they refuse to even let him speak on their behalf. A church is generally a place to go in times of need, but for Stephen and Frank it neglects to provide basic comfort and reassurance. Because their lives have been changed by the betrayal of their parents and the Catholic Church, Stephen and Frank must quickly mature into individuals. While walking alongside his father in a strange city, Stephen announces, "I am Stephen Dedalus" (70). Stephen's father is slowly losing his identity, and because of this, Stephen must state his name as a way of declaring his individuality. He is no longer just his father's son, but is a person with independent feelings, memories and thoughts. After a friend questions his beliefs, Stephen states, “I said I had lost my faith…but not that I had lost my self-respect” (188). He understands the importance of being true to himself, especially since he has lost respect for the church and his parents. Even though he has given up hope for the rest of the world, he hasn't given up on himself, which allows him to grow from his difficult experiences. Stephen must rely on his own beliefs and sense of right and wrong, which allow him to distance himself from the bonds of society. Frank has also been deceived by his family and religion and decides to channel his frustrations into becoming a better person. through his experiences. When Angela tells Frank that he is no longer allowed to work due to health conditions, Frank exclaims, "I want the job. I want to bring home the shilling. I want to be a man" (261). Frank understands responsibility at a young age and still wants to support his family even though they have failed him. He is tired of being trampled upon due to his lack of money, so he works very hard to try to overcome poverty. Frank is also strong-willed when it comes to injustice. Frank runs away from Laman Griffin's house because he has been unfairly beaten and tells his brother, "I'll never come back" (298). It breaks his heart when his mother chooses Laman over him, and it makes him realize that he has a chance to put the whole situation behind him. Since his ties to his family have significantly loosened, Frank is able to separate from them and improve the quality of his life. Frank gains a strong work ethic and the ability to be self-sufficient after the collapse of his family and loss of faith in religion. Stephen and Frank realize that they must free themselves from the constraints imposed by their family, the church and Ireland. wear them. No matter how hard he tries to be part of Ireland, Stephen observes, “Ireland is the sow that eats its farrow” (157). He recognizes that he hasn't been able to be the artist he wanted to be because Ireland destroys everything creative. He can't,.