The constant struggle to survive is evident as Jeannette and her siblings navigate life in extreme poverty, often relying on their own resourcefulness to find food, shelter, and safety. Throughout the memoir, the Walls family faces severe poverty, which deeply affects their lives. For example, Jeannette's parents, particularly her father, Rex Walls, often neglect the family's financial needs, and they move frequently to escape creditors.

While the Walls parents claim to love their children, their actions reveal a deep neglect. The parents' pursuit of their own personal desires often results in the children being left to fend for themselves. For example, Jeannette and her siblings endure emotional and physical neglect from their parents, particularly from their mother, Rose Mary, who is more focused on her art then caring for her children.

Jeannette's optimism and determination to escape her circumstances are essential to her survival. Her eventual success reflects her resilience and the hope she carries even in the face of overwhelming odds. For example, despite their circumstances, Jeannette and her siblings demonstrate remarkable resilience. They constantly hold onto the hope that their lives will improve, even when faced with hardship.

Rex's complex influence shapes Jeanette's character. While he is deeply flawed individual, his encouragement of intellectual curiosity and the belief that she could achieve Rex Walls, despite his flaws, influences Jeannette's sense of independence and determination. He introduces her to a world of imagination and adventure, even though he often fails to provide basic care. For example, Rex and Rosemary's neglectful, often irresponsible parenting deeply affects Jeannette

Rex's idealism creates a false sense of hope in his children. His dreams of "The Glass Castle" represents the gap between what he promises and what he can actually deliver. This idealism contrasts sharply with the harsh realities they face as a family, leading to frequent disappointment. For example, Jeannette's father, Rex Walls, often inspires his children with grand visions of a better life, such as his dream of building the " Glass Castle," a fantastical home that he promises to build for his family. This idea serves as a symbol of his idealism. But the reality is that Rex never keeps his word and leaves his kids disillusioned.

Jeannette's journey toward forgiveness is rooted in her desire to free herself from the emotional burden of resentment and anger. While her parents' actions were deeply hurtful, she recognizes that holding grudges was only going to prevent her from moving forward with her own life. For example, as Jeannette grows older and gains more perspective on her life, she starts to understand the complexities of her parents' behavior. Despite their many faults, including neglect and irresponsibility, Jeannette begins to forgive them for their mistakes, realizing that they were shaped by their own struggles and failures.