The Glass Castle | Jeannette Walls | Cliff Note Books

“The Glass Castle” is a memoir by Jeannette Walls that recounts her childhood and upbringing in a dysfunctional and impoverished family. The memoir is divided into five sections: A Woman on the Street, The Desert, Welch, New York City, and Thanksgiving.

A Woman on the Street: The story begins in New York City with adult Jeannette witnessing her homeless mother rummaging through trash. This event prompts Jeannette to reflect on her unconventional upbringing and share her family’s story.

The Desert: Jeannette recalls her early years growing up with her three siblings, Lori, Brian, and Maureen. Her father, Rex, is an intelligent but alcoholic man who frequently moves the family to avoid debt collectors and pursue new adventures. Her mother, Rose Mary, is an artist and teacher who often neglects her children’s basic needs. Despite their nomadic lifestyle and lack of stability, the Walls children learn to rely on each other for support.

Welch: The family eventually moves to Rex’s hometown of Welch, West Virginia, after living in various desert towns. Life in Welch is difficult, with the family living in extreme poverty and their house lacking basic necessities such as indoor plumbing and heating. The children suffer bullying at school and are often hungry. Rex’s alcoholism worsens, and he becomes increasingly unpredictable and unreliable.

New York City: As they grow older, Jeannette and her siblings dream of escaping their difficult lives. Lori, the oldest, moves to New York City to pursue a career in art. Jeannette soon follows, finishing high school early and moving to New York City to attend college. Brian and Maureen eventually join them, and the siblings establish stable lives away from their parents.

Thanksgiving: Despite their escape, Jeannette remains connected to her parents. Rex and Rose Mary eventually move to New York City, choosing a life of homelessness. Jeannette struggles with her feelings about her parents and their unconventional lifestyle, and the memoir explores themes of family, resilience, and the power of forgiveness.

“The Glass Castle” is a powerful and emotional memoir that highlights the challenges faced by the Walls family while also celebrating the strength and determination of the children as they overcome their difficult upbringing.

Themes

Quotes

Author

Discussion

Characters

Summaries

THEMES

“The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls explores several themes that contribute to its emotional impact and depth. Some of the prominent themes in the memoir include:

1. Poverty and its effects: The Walls family’s financial struggles are a central aspect of the story. The memoir explores the impact of poverty on the children’s lives, such as malnutrition, lack of access to education, and social isolation. The book also highlights the resourcefulness and resilience that the siblings develop in response to their circumstances.
2. Family and loyalty: Despite the dysfunction and neglect that the Walls children experience, their bond with each other and their loyalty to their family remain strong throughout the memoir. The theme of family loyalty raises questions about the nature of love and the limits of devotion to one’s family.
3. Resilience and perseverance: The Walls children demonstrate remarkable resilience and determination in the face of adversity. The memoir serves as a testament to their ability to overcome the challenges of their upbringing and create better lives for themselves.
4. Parenting and responsibility: “The Glass Castle” raises questions about the roles and responsibilities of parents. Rex and Rose Mary Walls are unconventional, often neglectful parents, and the memoir explores the consequences of their actions on their children’s lives. The book also delves into the complex emotions that Jeannette and her siblings feel towards their parents, including love, anger, and disappointment.
5. Self-reliance and independence: The Walls children learn from an early age to rely on themselves for their survival and well-being. The memoir explores the importance of self-reliance and independence in the face of adversity, showcasing the siblings’ ability to take control of their own lives and forge their own paths.
6. The power of hope and dreams: Throughout the memoir, the “glass castle” that Rex promises to build for his family serves as a symbol of hope and the power of dreams. Despite the obstacles they face, the Walls children hold onto their dreams, which ultimately help them escape their difficult circumstances and create better lives for themselves.

These themes in “The Glass Castle” contribute to the book’s emotional impact and provide readers with a deeper understanding of the Walls family’s unique experiences and struggles.

QUOTES

1. “Things usually work out in the end.” “What if they don’t?” “That just means you haven’t come to the end yet.”

• This quote represents the optimism and hope that Rex Walls often displays, even in the face of difficult circumstances.

2. “You should never hate anyone, even your worst enemies. Everyone has something good about them. You have to find the redeeming quality and love the person for that.”

• This quote by Rose Mary Walls reveals her perspective on life and the importance of finding something positive in every person.

3. “Mom always said people worried too much about their children. Suffering when you’re young is good for you, she said. It immunized your body and your soul, and that’s why she ignored us kids when we cried.”

• This quote demonstrates Rose Mary’s unconventional approach to parenting and her belief in the benefits of hardship.

4. “Dad was perfect,” I said. “Sometimes it’s better to let someone think you’re bad than to let them know the truth.”

• Jeannette reflects on her father’s flaws and the complexity of his character, showing her struggle to reconcile the positive and negative aspects of her father.

5. “One benefit of Summer was that each day we had more light to read by.”

• This quote highlights the importance of reading and learning in the Walls children’s lives, despite their challenging circumstances.

6. “No one expected you to amount to much,” she [Lori] told me. “Lori kept saying she thought you’d be something special, but I told her she was just being a doting big sister. You sure proved me wrong.”

• This quote from a conversation between Jeannette and her sister emphasizes the power of determination and the ability to overcome expectations.

AUTHOR

Jeannette Walls is an American author and journalist, best known for her memoir “The Glass Castle,” which recounts her childhood experiences growing up in a dysfunctional and impoverished family. Born on April 21, 1960, in Phoenix, Arizona, Walls had a nomadic upbringing, frequently moving with her family to different towns across the United States.

Walls attended Barnard College, a private women’s liberal arts college in New York City, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1984. After graduating, she began her journalism career, working for publications such as New York Magazine, USA Today, and MSNBC.com. Walls primarily focused on writing about gossip and celebrities, which she later acknowledged as ironic, given her own experiences and the nature of her memoir.

“The Glass Castle” was published in 2005 and became a major success, spending over 260 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list. The memoir garnered critical acclaim for its candid portrayal of Walls’ childhood, her family’s struggles with poverty, and the resilience of the Walls children in overcoming their circumstances.

In addition to “The Glass Castle,” Walls has written other books, including “Half Broke Horses” (2009), a fictionalized account of her grandmother’s life, and “The Silver Star” (2013), a novel about two sisters forced to fend for themselves after being abandoned by their mother. Her work often centers on themes of resilience, family, and the impact of one’s upbringing.

Walls’ writing has been recognized with numerous awards, and “The Glass Castle” was adapted into a film in 2017, starring Brie Larson, Woody Harrelson, and Naomi Watts. Today, Walls continues to write and is an advocate for improving the lives of children living in poverty.

DISCUSSION

Introduction:

“The Glass Castle,” a memoir by Jeannette Walls, was published in 2005 and quickly gained critical acclaim for its raw, honest portrayal of the author’s unconventional childhood. Walls’ account of growing up in poverty with her dysfunctional family has resonated with readers for its exploration of themes like resilience, family dynamics, and the power of hope. In this article, we will examine the reactions of critics and readers to “The Glass Castle” and the impact it has had on contemporary literature and society.

Praise from Critics:

Many critics have praised “The Glass Castle” for its unflinching honesty and compelling storytelling. Walls’ ability to recount her difficult past without self-pity or judgment has been lauded as a testament to her strength and resilience. For example, Francine Prose of The New York Times praised Walls’ writing, stating, “Walls’s journalistic bare-bones style makes for a chilling, wrenching, incredible testimony of childhood neglect.”

Critics have also applauded Walls’ ability to evoke empathy and understanding in readers, despite the often shocking nature of her family’s circumstances. Her portrayal of her parents, Rex and Rose Mary Walls, has been noted for its complexity, allowing readers to see the love and humanity within their flawed characters.

Discussion of Themes:

“The Glass Castle” explores themes such as poverty, resilience, family dynamics, and the power of hope. Critics have remarked on the importance of these themes in the memoir and the broader societal implications they hold. For instance, Elizabeth Egan of The San Francisco Chronicle commented on the book’s exploration of poverty, stating, “What’s best is the deceptive ease with which Walls makes us see just how she and her siblings were convinced that their turbulent life was a glorious adventure.”

The theme of family and loyalty has also been a significant topic of discussion among critics. Walls’ memoir raises questions about the nature of love and the limits of devotion to one’s family. Critics have noted the complex emotions that Jeannette and her siblings feel towards their parents, including love, anger, and disappointment.

Relevance in Contemporary Society:

“The Glass Castle” has been praised for its relevance in contemporary society, shedding light on issues like poverty, addiction, and mental health. The memoir has been credited with inspiring conversations about these topics and increasing awareness about the challenges faced by families in similar situations.

Moreover, the story of resilience and perseverance demonstrated by the Walls children has resonated with readers, providing a powerful message of hope and the potential for personal growth, regardless of one’s circumstances.

Conclusion:

“The Glass Castle” has made a lasting impact on both readers and critics since its publication in 2005. Jeannette Walls’ honest and poignant portrayal of her childhood has resonated with audiences, sparking conversations about the themes explored in her memoir and the broader implications of her family’s story. By sharing her experiences, Walls has demonstrated the power of resilience, hope, and the human spirit in overcoming adversity.

CHARACTERS

1. Jeannette Walls: The memoir’s author and narrator, Jeannette recounts her childhood and adolescence in a dysfunctional, impoverished family. She is resourceful, resilient, and determined to overcome her circumstances. As an adult, she becomes a successful journalist in New York City.
2. Rex Walls: Jeannette’s father is a charismatic, intelligent man who struggles with alcoholism. He teaches his children about various subjects and shares stories, including the dream of building a glass castle for the family. Despite his love for his children, his addiction and inability to hold a job contribute to the family’s hardships.
3. Rose Mary Walls: Jeannette’s mother is an artist and occasional teacher who often neglects her children’s basic needs in favor of pursuing her passions. She is stubborn and refuses to accept help or take responsibility for the family’s situation. Her unconventional parenting and priorities contribute to the family’s struggles.
4. Lori Walls: Jeannette’s older sister is intelligent and artistic. She dreams of becoming an artist and escapes the family’s difficult circumstances by moving to New York City, paving the way for her siblings to follow.
5. Brian Walls: Jeannette’s younger brother is protective and resourceful. He shares many adventures with Jeannette during their childhood and eventually moves to New York City as well, joining the police force.
6. Maureen Walls: The youngest sibling, Maureen, struggles the most with the family’s hardships. After moving to New York City, she suffers a mental breakdown and is institutionalized for treatment.
7. Erma Walls: Rex’s mother is cold and abusive, and the family briefly stays with her in Welch, West Virginia. Her harsh demeanor and treatment of the children add to the family’s difficulties.
8. Grandpa Walls: Rex’s father is not as prominently featured in the memoir, but he is part of the family’s life in Welch. Like Erma, he does not provide much support or stability for the Walls family.

SUMMARIES

“The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls does not have a traditional chapter structure. Instead, the memoir is divided into five sections, each representing different phases of the author’s life:

1. A Woman on the Street
2. The Desert
3. Welch
4. New York City
5. Thanksgiving

Within these sections, there are numerous smaller, titled vignettes that detail specific events, memories, or moments from Jeannette Walls’ life. The memoir’s non-linear structure reflects the episodic nature of Walls’ childhood experiences and her memories of growing up in a dysfunctional and impoverished family.

Part 1: A Woman on the Street

“The Glass Castle” begins with Jeannette Walls as an adult, living in New York City and working as a successful journalist. One evening, while riding in a taxi, she spots her mother, Rose Mary, rummaging through a dumpster. Jeannette is initially embarrassed and ashamed, and she asks the taxi driver to take her home instead of stopping to talk to her mother.

The encounter with her mother prompts Jeannette to reflect on her unconventional upbringing and the struggles her family faced. She decides to tell her family’s story, starting with her earliest memories of her childhood. This first section of the memoir serves as a prologue, setting the stage for the rest of the book, which delves into Jeannette’s past and the events that led her and her siblings to escape their difficult circumstances and create better lives for themselves.

By beginning the memoir with a glimpse into Jeannette’s adult life, Walls highlights the contrast between her past and present circumstances, inviting readers to explore the story of how she overcame the challenges of her childhood and became the person she is today.

Part 2: The Desert

In this section of “The Glass Castle,” Jeannette Walls recalls her early childhood spent in the American Southwest. Her family, consisting of her parents Rex and Rose Mary Walls, and her siblings Lori, Brian, and Maureen, frequently move from town to town to avoid debts and find new opportunities. Rex, Jeannette’s father, is intelligent and charismatic but struggles with alcoholism, while her mother, Rose Mary, is an artist and a teacher who often neglects her children’s basic needs in favor of pursuing her passions.

Life in the desert is marked by poverty, but the Walls family manages to find joy in simple pleasures and the freedom of their nomadic lifestyle. Rex often shares stories and life lessons with his children, teaching them about geology, physics, and other subjects. He also promises to build a fantastic glass castle for the family once they strike it rich, a dream that symbolizes their hope for a better future.

During their time in the desert, Jeannette and her siblings face numerous challenges, such as scrounging for food, dealing with the family’s dilapidated vehicles, and enduring their father’s unpredictable behavior. Despite these hardships, the Walls children develop a strong bond with each other and learn to rely on their resourcefulness and resilience.

As the family’s financial situation worsens, Rex decides to move them to his hometown of Welch, West Virginia, in search of a fresh start. The second section of the memoir ends with the family leaving the desert behind and embarking on a new chapter in their lives.

Part 3: Welch

In this section of “The Glass Castle,” Jeannette Walls and her family move to Welch, West Virginia, the hometown of her father, Rex. The family’s living conditions in Welch are even more challenging than those in the desert. They initially stay with Rex’s mother, Erma, who is cold and abusive, before eventually moving into a small, rundown house that lacks basic necessities such as indoor plumbing, heating, and proper insulation.

Poverty becomes even more pronounced in Welch, as the family struggles to find food and clothing, and the children face bullying and ridicule at school. Rex’s alcoholism intensifies, making him more unreliable and causing tension within the family. In an attempt to improve their situation, the children take on odd jobs and work to fix up their home, while Rose Mary continues to focus on her art and refuses to take a full-time job.

Despite their efforts, the family’s circumstances do not improve, and Jeannette and her siblings begin to dream of escaping Welch and creating better lives for themselves. The siblings work together to make plans for their future, focusing on their education and the prospect of leaving Welch behind.

In this part of the memoir, Walls highlights the persistence and determination of the Walls children as they strive to overcome the obstacles they face in Welch, while also examining the complexities of their relationships with their parents, who often fail to provide the support and stability their children need.

Part 4: New York City

In this section of “The Glass Castle,” Jeannette Walls and her siblings begin to put their plans for a better life into action. Lori, the oldest sibling, moves to New York City to pursue her dream of becoming an artist after graduating high school. Jeannette soon follows, finishing high school early and moving to New York City to attend college.

Jeannette works hard to support herself, taking various jobs and attending Barnard College on a scholarship. Life in New York City offers Jeannette and Lori the stability and opportunities they never had in their childhood, and they begin to build successful lives.

Brian, the younger brother, later moves to New York City as well, joining the police force. The youngest sibling, Maureen, also moves to the city but struggles to adjust to her new life and ultimately suffers a mental breakdown.

Throughout this section of the memoir, Walls explores the challenges and triumphs the siblings face as they adapt to life in New York City, forging their own paths and creating a better future for themselves. The contrast between their lives in Welch and their lives in New York City highlights the resilience and determination that allowed the Walls children to overcome their difficult upbringing.

Part 5: Thanksgiving

In the final section of “The Glass Castle,” Jeannette Walls reflects on her life as an adult and the events that have shaped her relationship with her family. By this time, Jeannette is married and has a successful career as a journalist in New York City. Her siblings have also established stable lives for themselves, with Lori working as an artist, Brian as a police officer, and Maureen, who is now receiving treatment for her mental health issues.

Jeannette’s parents, Rex and Rose Mary, eventually follow their children to New York City. However, instead of seeking stable housing, they choose to live as squatters in an abandoned building. The Walls children try to help their parents, but Rex and Rose Mary remain fiercely independent and resistant to change.

Rex’s health declines, and he is diagnosed with a terminal illness. Before he dies, Jeannette has a heartfelt conversation with him about their past and the unfulfilled dream of the glass castle. After Rex’s death, the family gathers for a Thanksgiving dinner, where they reminisce about their past and acknowledge the love and bond they share despite their difficult history.

This final section of the memoir serves as a reflection on the Walls family’s journey, emphasizing the importance of resilience, the power of hope, and the complex nature of family relationships. “The Glass Castle” concludes with Jeannette Walls coming to terms with her past and embracing the lessons it has taught her, ultimately finding peace and understanding.