My Glass Castle Padlet by J Thompson

jayvothompson — 2025-03-03 11:48:49 UTC

Morals and Hypocrisy play a major role in the upbringing of a child as readers see the hypocrisy of Jeannette's parents who preach self-sufficiency and moral integrity, but consistently neglect the needs of their own children.

jayvothompson — 2025-03-03 11:53:20 UTC

"You can't trust them... They'll beat you up if you so much as look at them cross-eyed."

jayvothompson — 2025-03-03 12:17:32 UTC

This picture of a man with multiple masks is reflective of the time when Erma Walls was openly racist towards Jeannette's black friend Dinitia. This is an example of the them of morals and hypocrisy because Jeannette's parents always preached about being open-minded and being against discrimination, however, they unchallenged Erma's racist behavior. By failing to stand up against her prejudice, they contradicted their own values and exposed the hypocrisy within their family dynamic.

jayvothompson — 2025-03-03 12:23:07 UTC

Broken Promises is a theme seen constantly throughout the memoir as the reader clearly sees how Rex and Rose Mary's inability to follow through leaves their children distraught and struggling to trust them.

jayvothompson — 2025-03-03 12:24:23 UTC

"Dad had been talking about the Glass Castle for as long as I could remember. He carried around the blueprints wherever we went. ‘All we have to do is find gold,’ he’d say."

jayvothompson — 2025-03-03 12:29:00 UTC

The picture of a crossed out handshake is reflective of the time when Rex constantly promised to build the Glass Castle. This is an example of broken promises because Rex had always promised his family that he would one day build for them a real "Glass Castle," once he found gold. However, his children would later realize that the Glass Castle became a symbol of empty words and clear evidence that they could not rely on their parents to keep their promises.

jayvothompson — 2025-03-03 12:37:16 UTC

Overcoming Challenges is crucial to Jeannette and her siblings in their upbringing as despite growing up in poverty and neglect from their parents, they had to learn to adapt and survive to create a better lives for themselves.

jayvothompson — 2025-03-03 12:38:32 UTC

"I told myself that no matter what, I would never depend on anyone but myself. I’d get a job and earn my own money, and I’d build the life I wanted."

jayvothompson — 2025-03-03 12:41:52 UTC

The picture of a man conquering his goal of reaching his destination reflects the time when Jeannette left Welch and created her own life in New York. This is an example of overcoming challenges because Jeannette was able to take control of her future by refusing to let her hardships hold her back, and prove to herself and her parents that she can rise above the difficulties of her childhood.

jayvothompson — 2025-03-03 12:46:19 UTC

Independence and Responsibility plays a major role in the raising of a child or a family as parents must deal with the responsibilities of caring for another person's life, but still maintaining their own freedom.

jayvothompson — 2025-03-03 12:47:31 UTC

"Mom and Dad refused to accept welfare, or food stamps, or any kind of charity. They wanted to take care of themselves."

jayvothompson — 2025-03-03 12:55:59 UTC

The image of an American Flag and a family in the background is reflective of the time when Rex and Rose Mary refused to accept any help for their family because of their own beliefs and morals. This is an example of independence and responsibility because Rex and Rose Mary have the freedom and right to choose not to accept any welfare or charity, but they also have the responsibility to making sure their children are consistently fed.

jayvothompson — 2025-03-03 13:06:19 UTC

Appearance vs. Reality can mess with children's mental stability as Jeannette's parents would romanticize their struggles as an adventure, when in reality their neglect forces the children to fight for survival in extreme poverty.

jayvothompson — 2025-03-03 13:07:02 UTC

"We were always supposed to pretend our life was one long and incredibly fun adventure."

jayvothompson — 2025-03-03 13:11:04 UTC

The picture of a cat and lion in the mirror is reflective of the time when Rex and Rose Mary forced their children to follow them on their crazy adventures throughout the desert and disguise their chaotic life as a fun and carefree adventure. This is an example of appearance vs. reality because despite their happy and free-spirited image, Jeannette and her siblings still had to face the harsh reality of poverty and neglect. How the Wall's family presented themselves and the severity of their struggles truly emphasizes how appearances can mask the difficult truths of their lives.

jayvothompson — 2025-03-03 13:19:59 UTC

Family and Dysfunction can place families and children in dangerous and harmful situations as despite the deep love within many families, neglect, recklessness, and instability, can tear families apart.

jayvothompson — 2025-03-03 13:23:26 UTC

"Dad was right behind her. He caught up with Mom and grabbed her by the shoulders. She tried to shake him off, but he tightened his grip. They began wrestling, swaying together like some off-balance couple waltzing to no music."

jayvothompson — 2025-03-03 13:40:07 UTC

The image of the parents fighting in front of their children is reflective of the moment when Rex chased after Rose Mary after she jumped out of the car during one of their intense fights. This is an example of family and dysfunction because it highlights the chaotic relationship between Rex and Rose Mary, despite their love for each other. This is seen throughout the memoir as the two would have violent fights with one another and then quickly make up. This dysfunction forced Jeannette and her sibling to mature quickly and learn to provide for themselves.