The Glass Castle Jeannette Walls Character Analysis

Perception, a fragile construct, is profoundly shaped by external events. In Jeannette Walls' memoir "The Glass Castle" and Kathryn Bigelow's film "The Hurt Locker," the central characters, Rex Walls and Sergeant James, undergo significant transformations in their perception due to these external events. Through a comparative analysis, this essay explores how these characters' perceptions are molded by external circumstances, despite their differing situations. Additionally, I will share a personal experience from my life to illustrate the transformative power of such events on an individual's perception. Starting with "The Glass Castle," Rex Walls initially perceives himself as a free-spirited individual, unbound by societal norms. He embodies a romanticized version of freedom, viewing his nomadic lifestyle and disdain for

This external event forces Rex to confront the consequences of his actions, leading to a profound shift in his perception of himself and his role within the family. Similarly, in "The Hurt Locker," Sergeant James perceives war as an exhilarating and adrenaline-fueled experience. He finds purpose in the chaos of the battlefield and embraces the danger and excitement of his job as a bomb disposal expert. However, external events such as witnessing the death of his comrades and innocent civilians, as well as the increasing pressure of his responsibilities, erode Sergeant James' perception of war as a thrilling adventure. Like Rex, Sergeant James' perception is changed by the external event of facing the consequences of his actions. As he witnesses the devastating impact of war on both himself and those around him, he begins to question his previous beliefs and motivations. Despite the differing circumstances of Rex Walls and Sergeant James, both characters experience profound shifts in perception due to significant external