The Glass Castle Character Analysis

Many themes can be portrayed in a person’s life. Especially when one’s life is struck by so many strange events. The Glass Castle by Jeanette Wells is a very good example. Jeanette experiences many accounts of survival, betrayal, and loss which go on to influence the rest of her life. Jeanette’s life becomes a rollercoaster and she takes us along for the ride. Survival is one of the most profound themes in The Glass Castle and is immensely influential throughout the entire novel. Jeanette even says that her life is full of ups and downs, “I lived in a world that at any moment could erupt into fire. It was the sort of knowledge that kept you on your toes.” (Wells pg. 34) Hunger is constantly looming over the Walls children heads. Their parents don’t

One example of this is the piggy bank incident. The children are saving to move to New York and are betrayed by the man who has betrayed them the most in their lives, their father. He breaks into their piggy bank and steals the money to pay for booze for himself. He denies the fact that it ever happens and once again, lets his kids down. Another example is the incident at the bar. Jeanette’s mother even says, “He knows that your father is a cross we must bear.” (Walls 105)Rex essentially prostitutes Jeanette to win a game of snooker. He uses her as a distraction and swindles his opponent. He allows her to go upstairs and be influenced by the sexual whims of the man. The final example, is the near murder near the end of the story. Maureen attempts to murder the mother by stabbing her. She doesn’t succeed and the mother lives, but Maureen does end up in a mental institution. Jeanette does say though, “You should never hate anyone, even your worst enemies. Everyone has something good about them. You have to find the redeeming quality and love the person for that.” (Wells pg.