The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls by Makenna Simpson

“After all he put himself through, I couldn’t believe Dad went back to drinking” (p. 123).

383274 — 2025-02-27 19:35:27 UTC

This picture of a distressed woman portrays Jeanette's feelings of disappointment when her father, Rex, went back to drinking despite the suffering he endured during withdrawals. The quote relates to the theme of disappointment because Jeanette had hoped her father would change, but ultimately he let her down, showing how his addiction continued to control his actions.

“I told him I would never lose faith in him. And I promised myself I never would.” (pg. 79)

383274 — 2025-02-27 20:58:00 UTC

The picture illustrates the theme of unconditional love by portraying a heartfelt moment between Jeanette Walls and her father, Rex Walls. Rex’s way of holding Jeanette reflects his affection and care, emphasizing their close bond. This aligns with the quote, where Jeanette expresses her unwavering faith in her father, despite his flaws.

“Life’s too short to worry about what other people might think. Anyway, they should accept us for who we are.” (pg. 157)

383274 — 2025-02-27 21:02:30 UTC

The image depicts a group of people heading in a different direction than the person in green. Similarly, like the individual in green, the Walls family rejects societal norms and forges their own path. When Jeanette expresses concern to her mother about the growing pile of garbage outside, Rosemary shows that she doesn’t seek the approval of others.

"I was still standing on the chair, swatting at the fire with the fork I had been using to stir the hot dogs." (pg. 9)

383274 — 2025-03-03 17:51:55 UTC

This image reflects the theme of self-sufficiency in The Glass Castle. The picture of a young girl cooking for herself mirrors Jeanette’s experience of having to care for her own needs from an early age. At just three years old, Jeanette cooking hot dogs on the stove demonstrates both her independence and the neglect she faces. Her ability to fend for herself, despite the dangers, shows how self-sufficiency becomes a necessity rather than a choice, shaping her survival and resilience throughout the memoir.

“One day Dad told us to dump it in the hole. ‘But that’s for the Glass Castle,’ I said.” (pg. 155)

383274 — 2025-03-03 18:44:54 UTC

This image captures the theme of Fantasy vs. Reality by contrasting the Glass Castle blueprints, which symbolize fantasy, with the trash that represents the harsh reality that things weren’t going to get better. The quote illustrates how the dream of the Glass Castle, once filled with hope, is ultimately discarded and abandoned.

“As awful as he could be, I always knew he loved me in a way no one else ever had” (Walls 279)

383274 — 2025-03-03 19:51:28 UTC

Throughout, his life Rex abused alcohol, abandoned his family, abused their mother, and stole money from them. The picture shows a man abusing alcohol, and the background shows a woman there to witness it much like how his family had to witness the downfall of his addiction as well. The quote relates to the theme of forgiveness because, even though he wasn't the most reliable or supportive father to Jeanette she acknowledges the good in him.