Crystal Gonzalez - The Glass Castle by Crystal Gonzalez-141001666

Personal Reflection

141001666 — 2024-01-23 18:39:22 UTC

In what ways was this chunk a window or a mirror? Use the following questions to guide your response, but really we want to hear your personal thoughts and reactions to this chunk!

What experiences do you share with the characters?
There's only one part that I experienced when I was little like Jeannette, I got thrown in the water getting forced to swim but it wasn't as bad as Jeannette's experience.
In what ways is your family similar or different from those in the book?
There are many ways my family is different from theirs, one would be that my parents know how to take care and watch over us.
What did you learn about a character or group of people that you have not personally experienced?
I've learned in this part of the book that there could be parents like Rose Mary and Rex that aren't so responsible to be parents and instead selfish for their own time being.

Social Issue

141001666 — 2024-01-23 18:39:22 UTC

Choose at least one of the following social issues that were present in this reading chunk. Discuss how this social force was present in a characters life. (Your response should be at least 5-6 sentences).

One social issue would be poverty. The Walls family, who are the central characters in the book, struggle with extreme poverty throughout their lives. This social force is present in their daily lives as they face hunger, homelessness, and a lack of basic necessities. The constant struggle to make ends meet and the absence of stable living conditions deeply impact the characters' experience and shape their outlook on life. Poverty also influences their relationships, choices, and aspirations.

Quote

141001666 — 2024-01-23 18:39:22 UTC

Give context for your quote. What was happening in the story that made this quote significant? Who was speaking? "Unloved children grow up to become serial murders or alcoholics" - Rose Mary. Jeannette's mom was explaining that some kids don't always grow up being loved by their parents. What made this significant to me was when Jeannette and her mother were talking about Billy because he's a JD, her mother was explaining not all kids were born a delinquent.
Why did this quote stand out to you? Stood out to me, because I've noticed kids turn out like this when they've become older they look for relief from the terrible things they have experienced.

Formalist Lens

141001666 — 2024-01-23 18:39:22 UTC

What figures of speech are used? (metaphors, similes, hyperbole, personification, etc.)
It provides metaphors, similes and personification
Choose a significant event that occurs in your reading. What do you think the author's purpose was in telling that part of the story?
Something that occurs would be the part of how Jeannette walls, is cooking hot dogs and catches herself on fire. shows the purpose of including this part of the story showing challenges and unconventional things Jeannette had.
How effective is the author’s use of dialogue? How does dialogue enhance the storytelling?
It's quite effective. The dialogue brings the characters to life and adds depth to the storytelling. It allows readers to better understand the personalities, motives, and relationships of the character.

Reader Response Lens

141001666 — 2024-02-02 20:39:16 UTC

How does the meaning of a text change as you reread it?
It starts to make more sense when rereading something I didn't understand at first.
How might readers in different time periods or of different ages interpret the text?
Others may look at a sentence differently when it has a deep meaning into it whether they experienced something common or know someone that has.
How do your values alter your perceptions of the text? Not everyone is built the same way as everyone else, people can be their unique self.

Quote

141001666 — 2024-02-21 20:19:56 UTC

"Mom always said people worried too much about their children. Suffering when you're young is good for you. It immunizes your body and your soul, and that's why I knew we'd survive. We had parents who were the opposite of role models" (Walls) . This quote is significant because it sheds light on the unconventional parenting style of Jeannette's parents. It shows their belief that suffering and hardship in childhood can be beneficial, which contrasts with more traditional parenting approaches.

This quote stood out to me because it shows that even when parents are struggling in any way they either do it to strengthen their children or just be useless. I could kind of relate to it in the book.

Social Issue

141001666 — 2024-02-21 20:21:33 UTC

One social issue that stands out is social class. They relied on the government's assistance. What mainly highlights this is the impact of social class on their limited societal oppression. These characters in such cases are lower class for their own lack of stability. This tells their constant struggle in showing their not middle class nor high class, by also lacking basic necessities.

Personal Reflection

141001666 — 2024-02-21 20:22:12 UTC

In these pages of the book there isn't really anything I've had experience in such a case. Maybe the part where the kids had to take adult responsibilities at a young age.

My family is different in many ways from this part of the book. I would say parts where they don't have addictions and have a curtain behavior, not lacking basic necessities. But they are similar in ways of having love and resilience for one another.

I've learned something about Jeannette. She doesn't like to be stuck in own place, she likes to feel free. In this part of the book it shows that she wants to be out of her trashy home and not deal with her parents consequences.

Social Class Lens

141001666 — 2024-02-21 20:29:33 UTC

How do economic conditions determine the characters' lives?
The lack of financial stability and poverty force the Walls family to constantly move and live in filthy conditions. They struggle to find steady employment and face constant hunger and penniless. The economic hardships also impact the children's education, as they often have to switch schools or miss out on opportunities. They learn to make very little and find creative ways to survive.

Quote

141001666 — 2024-02-21 20:29:57 UTC

"We'd always be poor, but we'd never be hungry again, and Daddy's plan would make us rich" (Walls, 22). This quote is significant because it reflects the family's optimism and their belief in their father's grand plans. At this point in the story, the Walls family is facing extreme poverty and uncertainty. Despite the challenging circumstances, Rex brings hope and represents a new plan for a better future.

It stood out to me because I've seen people over their 30's say meaningful stuff to young ones knowing that it wouldn't come true for them but for the one that their saying it too. it builds up a better mindset for the young ones.

Social Issue

141001666 — 2024-02-21 20:30:13 UTC

A social issue would be education. Throughout the section, the characters, especially Jeannette and her siblings, face significant challenges when it comes to their education. Due to their constant moving and financial instability, they often have to switch schools or miss out on opportunities for consistent learning. This lack of stability and access to quality education impacts their academic progress and future prospects. Despite these obstacles, the characters demonstrate resilience and a thirst for knowledge, finding ways to educate themselves and pursue their dreams.

Personal Reflection

141001666 — 2024-02-21 20:30:24 UTC

One of the experiences I share with a character would be the part of Jeannette where she has to deal with her parents consequences, but for me it's mainly my whole family. I'm always there when something is up, the having to navigate them all through it too.

My family is kind of similar to this part in the book part where I have to bring the family back together when something goes wrong. But not as very relating in the most part, like having financial problems or running away.

I've learned a lot more about Jeannette and how she has brought the family to have resilience for one another. But not only that she doesn't let anything get in her way when it comes to wanting to chase her dreams.

Psychological Lens

141001666 — 2024-02-22 02:27:55 UTC

What roles do psychological disorders and dreams play in this story?
Psychological disorders and dreams may play a significant role in the story. Psychological disorders could provide insight into the characters inner struggles and challenges, adding depth to their experiences. Can help light shed on the characters internal struggles. Dreams, on the other hand, might serve as a form of escape or a source of hope for the characters, offering a glimpse into their aspirations and desires. It contributes to character development. Dreams alter their reality and bring an escape too.

Quote

141001666 — 2024-02-22 03:15:52 UTC

"Things usually work out in the end" (Walls). This is significant when we see how Jeannette and her family navigate through tough times. They face financial struggles, instability and unconventional living situations. However, they never lose sight of their dreams and maintain a deep bond with each other. Despite these difficulties, they maintain a sense of hope and belief that things will eventually improve. It reflects the resilience and optimism of the main character, Jeannette Walls, and her family.

This quote stood out to me because, it captures their empathy of resilience and hope. It reminds me of times in my own life when I faced challenges and uncertainties, but ultimately found a way to overcome them.

Personal Reflection

141001666 — 2024-02-22 03:16:29 UTC

I don't really share any experiences with these characters. I could relate to a part where the parents would put their all to have enough for their family. Rose Mary cared about her children, I feel that's what made her say I want to focus on myself.

My family isn't really similar to them but very much different in a way of it being in between. The parts where the parents aren't really being much as parents.

I learned that Rex was a person that brought dignity to his kids world, not only him being an addict and having financial stability he still displays love for his children. He shares stories and giving them valuable life lessons and encourages their education.

Memoir Reflection

141001666 — 2024-02-28 01:46:54 UTC