the glass castle book essay

“The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls Analysis Essay

Jeannette Walls, in her short story, describes how hard life in poverty can be, especially when parents are neglectful. A story of childhood hardships is at the heart of her story that hard work can help a person succeed. The story described by Walls is so unique precisely because “that this is all true, that these events really did happen to real people” (Correll). Lopez also notes that the most important aspect of the connection between reader and author is the realization that all lives are not perfect. Thus, the novel presents a story of perseverance that anyone can relate to.

Since childhood, Jeannette has learned that unwillingness or inability to do something is just an excuse. She was so tired of poverty that the only way for her seemed “getting on the next bus out of here” (Walls 238). Finally, Jeannette was determined to leave her family life in Welch and move to New York. She realizes that her parents were an obstacle for her, as even her mother says: “You get to go to New York and I’m stuck here. It’s not fair” (Walls 237). Parents envy her success and aspirations, shifting the responsibility for their mistakes to the child. However, Jeannette did not pay attention to such words, as she was keen on development. Rose Mary notes that about her: “never had much going for you except that you always worked hard” (Walls 270). In the end by the end, Jeannette’s aspiration was the opposite of her family, bringing to success and acceptance not only herself but also those close to her. However, she is still ashamed of her roots and origins, as well as the behavior of her parents.

This story shows how much a dysfunctional family leaves a mark on a person’s life, even when it changes completely. Yang and Congzhou note that the family has the strongest cultural and social impact on the child (51). This aspect illustrates how Jeannette wanted to be accepted in her hometown, but at the same time, how rejected she felt. She shows optimism and honesty with which she wants to succeed, in contrast to her family.

Correll, Rose. “TNH Book Review: ‘The Glass Castle’ by Jeannette Walls.” The New Hampshire , 2019. Web.

Lopez, Gina. “The Glass Castle’ book review.” Daily Collegian , 2017. Web.

Walls, Jeannette. The Glass Castle: A Memoir . Scribner, 2017.

Yang, Liu, and Yang Congzhou. “Analysis of Sino-American Family Education Differences: Collectivistic or Individualistic?—Taking the Glass Castle as an Example.” International Education Studies , vol. 11, no. 8, 2018, pp. 51-57.

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The Glass Castle

By jeannette walls, the glass castle essay questions.

Discuss the role of fire in the novel.

After Jeannette is burned the first time fire continues to appear in the work. It burns down a number of houses and harms some of the characters. Jeannette believes that the fires might all be connected. Jeannette describes fire as a sort of character itself.

How does Jeannette characterize her parents? What is her tone towards them and their actions?

Jeannette describes her parents' faults and shortcomings but she does not condemn them for their actions. Indeed, by the novel’s end she appears to have come to an understanding about their way of living. The goal of the work is not to insult or vilify her parents but, in a way, to honor them.

Why does Jeannette choose to title the book The Glass Castle even though the structure is never built?

The glass castle characterizes Rex Walls’ need to create a life of fantasy and adventure for his family in the absence of stability and practicality. Its construction is consistently delayed in the work, but that which it represents endures. Jeannette’s memoir is, in part, an erection of this fabled structure. In writing, she takes one step towards fulfilling her father’s promise.

Explain the role of nature and the attitudes taken toward it in the memoir?

Without the amenities of modern life, the Walls family is frequently in awe of the beauty of nature. Especially while living in the Midwest, nature becomes a sort of home for the Walls. Rose Mary Walls also instills within her children an appreciation for animals and nature by refusing to kill or harm it with modern technology.

What about Jeannette’s experience is atypical of general ideas about American poverty? Why do you think Jeannette includes these examples?

For much of the work, Jeannette and her family live in conditions characteristic of poverty. However, Jeannette’s experience also includes rigorous homeschooling from her parents and exposure to classic literature. Despite her conditions, she and her siblings are often placed in the gifted classes in school. In showing that her parents, though poor, were not unintelligent, Jeannette proposes an often undetailed view of America’s impoverished.

Discuss the role of setting in the novel? How does the theme of the work change when the setting changes?

Setting is clearly an important part of the work. Indeed, two sections of the novel are named after a particular environment. In addition, there is a clear shift in tone and plot when the Walls move from the desert to Welch, Virginia. Setting not only affects how the family must live but it also influences their hope for escaping poverty.

Compare Jeannette’s relationship with Brian and Lori to that between her and Maureen. Why are there differences?

Jeannette and her siblings depend on each other for survival. Jeannette and Brian pair together when faced by bullies from outside. Although Lori and Brian differ from Jeannette in their early loss of hope in Rex. Maureen exists as a sort of “black sheep” in the family. Not only does she not have red hair, but she seldom spends time with the family and instead relies on others to care for her. For this reason, Jeannette considers Maureen in need of more protection than the rest of her siblings.

Describe the structure of the memoir. Why does Walls decide to frame her story with her adulthood before reflecting on her childhood?

Jeannette begins her story by describing her motivation for writing it. Her mother’s urgings that she not hide from her past anymore prompt Jeannette to begin telling her story. Because shame once inhibited her from sharing her story, she begins by describing that which gave her the courage to write it down.

Discuss Rose Mary Walls' role as a mother.

Rose Mary Walls commonly seems focused on her aims alone. She loses or quits jobs in order to pursue her profitless career as an artist even at times when her family needs her salary for basic necessities. At times, Rose Mary behaves more like a child than her children, throwing tantrums, refusing to go to work, and creating excuses.

Rex Walls frequently makes up fantastical stories to create a life of excitement out of his circumstances. Is this deceitful? In what ways can these stories be seen as an attempt to shield the family from the truth?

Rex Walls tends to create fantastical explanations to keep his children from considering themselves lesser than others because of their lack of money. When the children are young, this seems harmless. He gives them stars for Christmas instead of gifts and makes life an adventure by telling them they are being chased. However, as the children grow older, Rex’s stories are used as a means to protect or excuse his behavior instead of as a means to shield his children from the reality of their condition.

The Glass Castle Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for The Glass Castle is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

What is ironic about the fact that Dad “owed the mine company eleven cents” and that “He thought it was funny and told them to put it on his ta

• Describe the parenting style of Jeannette’s mom and dad.

Describe Erma, Grandpa, and Stanley. How does Jeannette feel about meeting her fathers family?

After a month of driving, the family finally makes it to Welch, West Virginia. After meeting Erma, her father’s mother who refuses to be called ‘Grandma,' Grandpa Walls, and Uncle Stanley, Jeannette is shocked to find no resemblance between them...

What is the family's life like in Battle Creek?

The answer to your question is readily available in GradeSaver's detailed summary and analysis for Part II of the novel.

Study Guide for The Glass Castle

The Glass Castle study guide contains a biography of Jeannette Walls, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About The Glass Castle
• The Glass Castle Summary
• Character List

Essays for The Glass Castle

The Glass Castle essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls.

• Adventures First, Explanations Take Such a Dreadful Time
• The Glass Prison
• The Effect of Parenting Style on Childhood Development: A Reading of The Glass Castle
• Throwing Stones-Resilience and Forgiveness in The Glass Castle
• Alcoholism in the Walls Family

Lesson Plan for The Glass Castle

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to The Glass Castle
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• The Glass Castle Bibliography

Wikipedia Entries for The Glass Castle

• Introduction