The Glass Castle Padlet Project by Wyatt

Self-Reliance And Independence

bigwormwy — 2025-02-27 18:45:20 UTC

The picture of this chain breaking and releasing the hand is reflective of the time when Lori moved to New York and was "living in a hotel for women... working as a waitress... and taking art classes and even fencing lessons" (Walls 235). This is an example of self-reliance and independence because she finally escaped her dysfunctional life back in Welch and was able to start a life of her own, and even help Jeannette and Brian when they moved there as well.

Forgiveness and Acceptance

bigwormwy — 2025-02-27 19:48:38 UTC

This picture of Jeannette and Rex together is reflective of Jeannette being daddy's girl, and she tried to look for the good in everyone after her mom told her "You have to find the redeeming quality and love that person for that." (Walls 144). Rex always wanted the best for the family, but sometimes wouldn't go about it the best way, he was also an alcoholic. However, Jeannette thought positively about both of her parents even though she had every reason not to. Jeannette says "If Francie saw the good in her father... maybe I wasn't a complete fool for believing in mine. Or trying to believe in him. It was getting harder" (Walls 168-169). Jeannette would always love her dad no matter what because her father was one of her best friends. She always believed in him even when he didn't believe in himself. Jeannette knew that "[Rex] loved [her] in a way no one else ever had" (Walls 279).

Resilience and Perseverance

bigwormwy — 2025-02-27 21:32:21 UTC

The boulder in this picture represents Rex, Rose Mary, and the terrible conditions the kids lived in. Even through all the struggles, the kids all persevered. Jeannette had realized that "People got stuck in Welch" (Walls 221). She had been counting on her mom and dad to get them out but now knew she had to do it on her own. This is an example of resilience and perseverance because Jeannette could have just given up and accepted the fact that she would have to live in Welch for the rest of her life, but no, she wanted more in her life and didn't let anything hold her back. She made a plan for her, Lori, and Brian to all make it out of Welch and move to New York to be successful.

Broken Promises

bigwormwy — 2025-02-27 22:00:47 UTC

The scissors in this picture represent Rex's broken promise of building "The Glass Castle," a grand, self-sufficient home powered by solar energy. Throughout the memoir, he constantly tells Jeannette and her siblings that he is working on the plans, and even has them dig a hole for the foundation. But since the family wasn't able to pay the town's collection fee, their garbage was piling up and one day Rex told them to dump it in the hole (pg 155). Rex said that it was only temporary and that he'd hire a truck to get all the garbage at once, but that never happened either. This all symbolizes Rex's inability to turn his dreams into a reality and highlights how his children slowly come to see through his lies. Similarly, both parents often promise more stability, food, financial security, yet they continuously waste their money on selfish pursuits, such as Rex on alcohol and Rose Mary on her artistic pursuits.

Poverty and Survival

bigwormwy — 2025-02-27 22:39:23 UTC

The beat down car and house in this picture represent the family's inadequate living conditions. They frequently move to run down houses, including their home in Welch, which had no heat, electricity, or indoor plumbing. The house "smelled of mold and cigarettes and unwashed laundry... the floorboards were rotted through" (Walls 131-132). The walls children endured harsh winters, leaks, and structural decay. When they lived on Little Hobart Street, Jeannette and Brian had no food for lunch, so Jeannette would retrieve the food kids threw away in the garbage and take it home for Brian (pg 173). Maureen was able to make friends and go to their houses for dinner.

Chaos and Order

bigwormwy — 2025-02-27 23:43:45 UTC

Rex and Rose Mary were both unpredictable. Rex was an alcoholic who switched between moments of brilliance and destructive behavior. Rose Mary refused to hold a steady job, prioritizing her art "career" over her children. Rose Mary eventually became a teacher in Battle Mountain to help pay for food and more, but she hated it. Her mother pushed her into getting a teaching degree so that she would have a job to fall back on if her artistic dreams didn't pan out (pg 73). They eventually moved out of Battle Mountain and Rose Mary was no longer a teacher. Their refusal to follow societal norms creates a chaotic environment. As Jeannette grows older, she craves structure and control. Unlike her parents, she values hard work, education, and financial security. When Jeannette moved to New York (pg 241), that was the ultimate shift from chaos to order. She works hard to establish a stable career and lifestyle, proving that she can break free from the disorder of her childhood.