What are two jobs does Rose Mary Walls have a different points throughout the memoir?
Artist & Teacher
How do the Walls siblings’ relationships with each other help them cope with the challenges they face?
The Walls siblings rely on each other for emotional and practical support, forming a strong bond. Their unity helps them survive and work toward escaping.
T or F: Rose Mary values her art and writing more than traditional responsibilities like earning money or caring for her children.
True
T or F: The Walls children work together to help Lori move to New York City.
True
Where does Jeannette work in high school?
The local newspaper
Despite their flaws, what moments show that Rex and Rose Mary genuinely love their children?
Answers may vary (Suggestion: Rex's efforts to inspire her through his idea of the Glass Castle and giving her a star)
How is the following motif seen in the memoir?: Societal Issues
Answers may vary, but suggestions would be talking about HOW we see some of the following in the book:: Poverty, Cost of education, child abuse, parenting, etc.
How do the Walls children get food when their parents don’t provide enough?
They scavenge in trash cans, steal food, and rely on the kindness of others.
Why is Dinitia arrested?
For stabbing her mother's boyfriend to death
What do you think Jeannette meant when she said: "1. Jeannette Walls has said, “We didn’t have food, but at the same time, we were luckier than other kids.”
As a child Jeannette genuinely believed her parents loved her, so she was likely referring to that; that she had a family and a roof over her head.
What does Billy Deal do to the Walls children after Jeannette snubs him?
Shoots them with a BB gun.
T or F: Rose Mary inherits land worth a million dollars but refuses to sell it.
True
What might the author's purpose be behind publishing this book?
To educate readers on the realities and struggles of poverty and abuse in America
How does Jeannette struggle with self identity in the memoir?
She knows what she wants out of life and where she wants to go, but is struggling with the guilt of leaving her family behind and pleasing her parents.
How does Jeannette get injured as a child near the beginning of the memoir?
She burns herself while cooking hot dogs
What gift does Jeannette ask her dad for for her 10th birthday?
For him to stop drinking
What are some of Rose Mary Walls’ hobbies or passions?
Art, writing, dreaming
At the beginning and end of the memoir, what are Rose Mary's living situation?
She is homeless in NYC
T or F: Rex Walls stops drinking completely after Jeannette asks him to quit.
False
List two character traits to describe Rex Walls.
(Answers may vary, but suggestions might be: Abusive, Irrational, Chaotic, Eccentric, or Manipulative)
How does Jeannette’s relationship with her parents evolve throughout the memoir?
Jeannette moves from idolizing her parents to becoming disillusioned by their neglect and irresponsibility. Ultimately, she learns to accept them as they are.
T or F: The Walls family often moves to avoid paying bills or staying in one place for too long.
True
T or F: Jeannette’s father helps her by giving her money to move to New York City.
False
List two traits to describe Rose Mary Walls
Answers may vary, but suggestions might be: Selfish, Bitter, Careless, Avoidant, or Victim)
Which Walls sibling is the oldest?
Lori
Would Rex Walls be considered a static or dynamic character? (dynamic=changes/develops, static= stays the same_
Static
T or F: Jeannette becomes a journalist after she leaves her family.
True
2. Jeannette Walls has said, “Some people think my parents are absolute monsters and should’ve had their children taken away from them." Do agree or disagree? Be sure to explain.
Answers may vary
In what ways might Jeannette’s upbringing prepare her for life outside her family?
It her resilience, resourcefulness, and independence. Facing hardships early on helps her navigate challenges and pursue a stable life.
Why does Maureen get arrested?
For stabbing her mother
What is Rex Walls' dream project?
The house he wants to build for his family which he refers to as "the glass castle"
Jeannette Walls claims that “…despite our economic standing, Mom was a bit of a snob and always made us feel superior to everyone else. She would say we just had a very serious cash-flow problem.” Is this attitude admirable or not? Why?
Suggestion: It is not admirable because Mrs. Walls is blatantly choosing to ignore the serious financial trouble her family is in/unable to provide
One reviewer of The Glass Castle said, “The true purpose of this compelling tale is to remind us that no one is doomed by the accident of his or her birth.” What does this mean?
The circumstances a person is born into do not have to define what their future and adulthood pan out. Enough hard work can break the cycle.
What happens to the girl's piggy bank?
Rex steals all the money out of it
Do you think Jeannette ever forgives her parents for their neglect? Why or why not?
Answers may vary