The Glass Castle
What is the Glass Castle? Do you think it will be built? At this point in the memoir do you see the castle as a symbolic image?
The Glass Castle is a vision and goal that Rex has for his children. I think it will be built eventually in honor of him after he passes or is taken away. I think the symbolism comes in in which Rex could finally have a clear (like glass), big and beautiful monument to represent his success when he can finally settle down, feel stable and have a sense of power.
Describe the Prospector.
an invention of Rex's to make it easier to find gold?
What is the symbolism behind Tinkerbell?
It symbolizes her short lived childhood. When Tinkerbelle's face melts off, it kind of relates to how her childhood is burning away by something her dad taught her (fire).
What did Jeannette win from the fair? What happened to it?
Jeanette won a helicopter ride but her mom already used it
Jeannette is fascinated with what? How do you feel about her parent's reaction to his new fascination?
Jeannette is fascinated with fire/ Her parents encourage this fascination which I personally think is dumb, especially considering her age. You cant tell someone that young (or anyone for that matter) that fire is something you don't need to be afraid of, and that you can play with
What was life like for the Walls family in the desert.
Life was fascinating, adventurous and peaceful at night. They would see many cool animals, experience big sand storms, and see the beautiful stars at night with their father
Where are the Walls headed?
They don't really know for sure. They're just running away all the time playing things by ear
What was Jeanette's doing when she caught on fire?
cooking hot dogs
If Rex is so intelligent, why doesn't he get a job that is more stable for himself and his family?
he can't get a stable job because he can't give away his identity and he's always on the move hiding or running away from someone.
Discuss the juxtaposition of Jeanette's mother digging through the trash next to the description of the narrator's apartment and lifestyle. What does it leave the reader thinking or inferring?
it makes you question the narrator and think about how she might be selfish or uncaring towards her mother
What can the reader infer about Jeanette's mother based on the fact that she is familiar with the likes of Shakespeare and Picasso?
she is very intelligent and educated
What is Rosemary looking for as she digs through the yard?
she looks for her jar of cash that she had buried
Jeannette says "I would have been happy staying that hospital forever." What can the reader infer from this statement?
she wasn't happy with her home life and prefers the way the kind nurses treat her
What was Jeanette's mother doing while her daughter was cooking hot dogs?
singing and painting
What gets thrown out the window because "it does not like to travel?"
the cat
What is Jeannette given that she has never heard of or saw before? What does her mother think of this?
the nurse gave her some chewing gum. Her mom thinks its vulgar and trashy
What would happen when the family stayed with Rosemary's mother, Grandma Smith?
the whole family would end up fighting regarding financial crisis and how they are handling it
Why, supposedly, are the Walls always doing the "skedaddle" according to Rex? What is the real reason?
they are running away from the FBI but in reality the just weren't paying the bills and are being hunted down for it
What can the reader infer the nurse is writing on the clipboard after Jeanette tells the group of nurses and doctors how she burnt herself?
they probably wrote down that her parents were neglectful when they found out she was burnt from cooking hot dogs at 3 years old
Why does Jeanette start with a story of her mother digging through the dumpster?
to draw the reader in and make them curious as to why her mother is homeless and looking for food
What smell reminds Jeannette of home?
whiskey and cigarette smoke
