Does The Glass Castle Influence Jeannette's Childhood?

Many often wonder how their childhood affects and influences the person they are today. The idea that experiences, whether on their own or with others, are what matures and influences someone the most has always been a question. In the novel The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, the portrayal of Jeannette’s mother (Rose), father (Rex), and younger brother (Brian) impacts and influences Jeannette, the protagonist, to become a self-sufficient, innovative, and hard-working person. Proving that the people around you influence you and shape you for the future. Throughout the novel, Rose, Jeannette’s mother, consistently forces Jeanette to raise herself. Rose impacts Jeanette through her laziness at work, her hypocrisy, and her extreme devotion to painting and art. The conflicting world

Some of the activities they chose to do were: “Brian and I loved... the dump. We looked for treasures among the discarded stoves and refrigerators” (Walls, p. 60). This habit created a strong sense of imagination and was a method used to escape reality. Using these skills, Jeannette could become an extremely successful author. A skill that Jeannette definitely does not lack is the ability to stand up for the people she cares about. Brian, although younger, was always ready to protect and help Jeannette whenever she needed it. Jeannette's friendship with Brian instilled a supportive and protective personality in Jeannette. Jeannette and Brian always fought for each other and the Walls family name. When Ernie Goad called Jeannette and her family garbage, Brian decided they needed to fight back. “Brian sat thinking, then told me he had a plan... Brian explained how we could make a catapult” (Walls, p. 166). This experience clearly showed the connection between Brian and Jeannette and the effect Brian had on her