The Glass Castleby: Jeannette Walls

THEMES

Unit theme: CAMOUFLAGE Why do people try to fit in

or remain “unnoticed”? When is it time to stand

up or move on to grow? (remove your camouflage)

Is camouflage necessary for survival?

Is it a part of every person’s development?

Novel themes: 1. NEGLECT By parents—constant moving, Jeannette burns

herself at 3 years old cooking hot dogs. Jeannette and her brother are forced to steal food to

survive. Mom’s refusal to work, and childhood neglect forces

kids to fend for themselves (physiologically, and even sometimes for safety).

2. HOMELESSNESS Jeannette’s parents choose “homelessness” at the end of

the novel. Refusal to work, and Rose Mary preferring to live as “an

excitement addict” leaves them on the streets. Offers a new perspective on homelessness to the

reader… What is homelessness? Is it a life without support and/or

structure, or is it physically not having a place to sleep?

3. ALCOHOLISM Affects the entire family, not just the person

afflicted. Forces the victim to make decisions that are not

always in the best interest of those around the victim.

Rex is an alcoholic that makes bad decisions as a result of his disease.

Forces the reader to consider—where did his disease originate?

4. FORGIVENESS Jeannette’s tone is very matter-of-fact and direct. Her perspective changes as she matures, however

her tone is not one of blame or anger. Jeannette’s biggest message is one of acceptance,

tolerance, and forgiveness. Her ability to forgive her parents is what

allows her to be a self-actualized, successful person.

5. Sometimes the most responsible people can be the children, not the

parents… Throughout the novel the kids are taking care of

each other and their parents… sometimes more so than Rex and Rose Mary care for their own kids.

Forces the reader to see triumph in difficulty, and growth in places of darkness.

How does this motivate readers?

6. LOST DREAMS Many characters lose their

dreams… Rex Rose Mary Maureen

Why? Lack of money? Lack of education? Lack of motivation? Addiction? Cycle of Abuse?

What makes Jeannette successful, or able to overcome?

Why The Glass Castle? Because it is possible to overcome

the odds. It is important to reflect on your past

and decide how YOU WANT it to REFLECT / DETERMINE your future.

Because if Jeannette can do it… anyone can!!

THE END…