The Glass Castle's Themes by kevin tran

Forgiveness is possible after betrayal.

datboysteam — 2025-03-03 03:41:11 UTC

" 'I got a lot to regret about my life,' He said 'But I'm goddamn proud of you, Mountain Goat, the way you turned out. Whenever I think of you, I figure I must have done something right.' ... 'Hey,' He said. He winked and pointed his finger at me. 'Have I ever let you down?' He started chuckling because he knew there was only one way I could answer that question." Page 279

Broken promises affect children's trust in authority.

datboysteam — 2025-03-03 03:41:36 UTC

" 'You bastard!' Lori shouted. 'You stole our money!' ... 'Why are you doing this to us, Dad?' I asked. 'Why?' " Pg 228-229

Success is achievable through any circumstance through perseverance.

datboysteam — 2025-03-03 03:42:58 UTC

"You know, it's really not that hard to put food on the table if that's what you decide to do." Pg 288

Imagination helps lighten situations where reality feels overwhelmingly dark.

datboysteam — 2025-03-03 03:46:58 UTC

"We were sort of like the cactus. We ate irregularly, and when we did, we'd gorge ourselves." Pg 22

Acceptance of flaws is vital for forgiveness.

datboysteam — 2025-03-03 04:02:00 UTC

" 'You can't just live like this,' I said. 'Why not?' Mom said. 'Being homeless is an adventure." Pg 255

Mental illness can destroy families if left unchecked.

datboysteam — 2025-03-03 04:03:09 UTC

" Mom started crying. 'I can't help it.' She sobbed. 'I'm a sugar addict, just like your father is an alcoholic.' She told us we should forgive her the same way we always forgave Dad for his drinking. None of us said a thing. Brian snatched up the chocolate bar and divided it up into four pieces. While Mom watched, we wolfed them down." Pg 174

Explanation

datboysteam — 2025-03-03 21:55:21 UTC

In The Glass Castle, Rex Walls betrays his family multiple times, whether by stealing money from a group fund his kids made or ruining an art project Lori was going to use to get into college. Despite this, Jeannette still respects her father's wishes when he needs her most, even when he actively sabotaged her when she needed him the most.

Explanation

datboysteam — 2025-03-03 23:36:38 UTC

Jeannette's past of broken promises carried into her adult life through a mistrust of advice and being on high alert at all times. She demonstrates this through being skeptical of a superior's advice of quitting work and going to college to advance her career. She ultimately takes this advice, but she is always on high alert at her new job, fearing that her past may catch up to her, jeopardizing her career

Explanation

datboysteam — 2025-03-04 00:07:34 UTC

Despite the Walls kids brutal and neglectful upbringing, most of them led successful lives through perseverance. This picture shows that despite steep setbacks, like the time where Rex stole a group fund that the kids were using to move to New York, success is never impossible, as they were eventually able to make lives for themselves.

Explanation

datboysteam — 2025-03-04 00:10:34 UTC

This image reflects the times that the Family would try and make light of their dire situation through games and bonding with each other. This provides an escape from otherwise negative thoughts that come from such a dark and traumatic reality such as the Wall's upbringing.

Explanation

datboysteam — 2025-03-04 00:15:43 UTC

Accepting flaws is essential for forgiveness. this quote explains this theme because Jeannette talked with her mother on multiple occasions about her living situation. She tries time and time again to get her mother off the streets with no luck. Jeannette eventually realizes that her mother isn't going to change, and instead decides to leave her be, which improves her relationship with her mother.

Explanation

datboysteam — 2025-03-04 00:19:18 UTC

Rose Mary's narcissism constantly puts a strain on the family, with this quote being the worst case of her undiagnosed narcissism showing, as she would rather starve her kids to give herself a sweet treat. Not only would she let her kids starve, she expects forgiveness when she is caught. This shows a complete lack of empathy from Rose Mary, and a complete lack of perspective from anyone other than herself.