The Glass Castle Study Guide (12/10/20)

Why does Jeannette just sit and wait for the family to return after she falls out of the car? Why doesn't she seek help?

Because she believes that her family will come back for her.

Why does Brian, in solidarity, try to fight for Jeannette? How and why does his reaction differ from their father's?

He fights for her because he knows no one else will (he is also her brother). His reaction differs from his fathers because he would have wanted her to fight for herself.

What causes the Walls to leave Blythe?

He gets pulled over by the cops. When he gets pulled over it wouldn't just be for whatever he was getting pulled over for, it would be for the stolen car and many other things so they run away.

Pages 36-37: How does the father deal with Jeannette's fears? Does this help or hurt her? What do you think of his method?

He makes jokes out of her fears. He wants her to be strong.

What is the effect of Rose Mary's final words to Jeannette during their meal together?

Her parents are who they are without hesitation, but Jeannette can't seem to be herself. It shows that even the weakest of people can have enough sense to know you are who you are.

What do you think of the mother's attitude toward cooking? How does it affect her children?

I think that it is crazy. Although she makes it efficient, she isn't giving her children the nutrients they need.

What is your opinion of Rose Mary and how long she thinks she has been pregnant? What does it say about her relationship with Rex after he chases her down?

I think that she is delusional because she says that it is 14 months which is impossible. When Rex disagrees and chases her down, it shows that they are very dysfunctional and he wants her to ultimately be safe.

Dark is a way and light is a place, Heaven that never was Nor will be ever is always true - Dylan Thomas "Poem on His Birthday" What does the poetry excerpt mean and why does Jeannette Walls include it in her memoir?

I think this talks about how life is a journey and you need to go through the dark to get to the light.

What does Rose Mary's attitude toward the piano outside suggest about her character?

It shows that she is reckless and that she values adventure. After it is ripped out of the house it shows that she is that she doesn't mind the little things.

What does it suggest that they have no beds or tables in their new home, but the mother must have a piano?

It shows that the mother values her possessions more than her children's well beings.

What does the U-Haul scene show us about the Walls' parenting?

It shows that they are extremely irresponsible because they let all of their children, including a newborn child, sit in the back of the U-Haul. There was no seatbelts or protection and the furniture was moving around.

What do the games played suggest about the family?

It shows that they are trying to teach their children about current things. They want them to get some sort of education.

Page 38: What does the Joshua Tree symbolize?

It symbolizes their family. It is crooked, disfunctional, and distorted just like the Walls family.

What is the new baby's name? Who is she named after?

Maureen: she is partially named after her mother and grandmother.

What does father give his kids for Christmas? What do you think of his gifts?

Rex gives his children stars for Christmas. I think this is very sweet because they will always have them. It's not like they are going to throw them away and not use them for a set amount of time, wherever they are they can look up and see it.

Why does Jeannette act tough for her father?

She acts tough for her father because he values toughness.

When the narrator returns to her apartment after seeing the "woman on the street", how does she feel when she looks around her apartment and sees all her beautiful things? Why does she feel this way?

She feels bad because it is her mother and she is homeless. Although her mother chose her own life, she cant help but feel bad that she has all these nice things and her mother is on the street.

How does Jeannette feel about Rose Mary's appearance by the dumpster? Why does she feel this way?

She is sad knowing she can never escape her troubled past.

How does Jeannette's mother feel about being homeless?

She thinks that being homeless is an adventure.

Who is the woman on the street and what is she doing?

The woman on the street is her mother and she is looking for food. (she is homeless)

What is surprising about the Walls children despite not having a formal education? What does this show?

They are very smart considering they didn't have a formal education. This shows that the parents despite their actions are smart.

Why didn't the parents believe in telling their children the Christmas/Santa Claus fantasy?

They know they don't have the money to pay for presents every year so they tell them the truth.

Describe their new home in Battle Mountain - what is Battle Mountain like and what are their living conditions in the old train depot?

They moved into a abandoned railroad depot that was wooden. They didn't have furniture and the kids slept in boxes.