Jeannette Walls's incredible memoir depicts her life as the daughter of self-destructive parents whose dreams alone manage to keep the family intact for most of her childhood. Before delving into the book, it would be beneficial to have a brief lesson on the memoir form and how it differs from a comprehensive autobiography. Students can analyze how The Glass Castle is structured, the narrative point of view, and the reliability of the narrator.
Although many of Walls's tales are humorous, The Glass Castle examines topics that some students may find troubling, such as poverty, homelessness, child abuse, and sexual assault. These controversial subjects relate to the central themes of forgiveness, difficult childhoods, and lost dreams. To help process this difficult content, students may find it beneficial to record their thoughts and reactions to Walls's experiences as they read the book.
The Glass Castle
You'll always save at least 25% on any paperback you order. If the retail value of your order is at least $500, you'll save 30%. And if the retail value of your order is at least $2,500, you'll save 35% on all your paperbacks.
Buy this book
Summary of The Glass Castle
Key Facts
- Publication Date: 2006
- Length: 288 pages
- Lexile Measure: 1010
- Recommended Grade Band: 10-11
Jeannette Walls's recount of her unconventional, poverty-stricken childhood in her memoir The Glass Castle is often funny on the surface, yet tinged with sadness beneath. Her book is filled with anecdotes from her unique, nomadic childhood, as her family bounces from various places in the desert to the impoverished town of Welch, West Virginia. Then, finally, Walls is able to settle down and make a home for herself in New York City, but only after she finds the courage to say goodbye to her family.
Throughout the book, Jeannette looks back on her life and how the choices her parents made affected her while also reflecting on the embarrassment and consequential guilt she feels because of them.
Content Warning: The Glass Castle contains profanity, alcoholism, sexual themes, and descriptions of child neglect.
What Your Students Will Love About The Glass Castle
- The highly interesting and sometimes humorous anecdotes
- Jeannette's success at the end
Potential Student Struggles With The Glass Castle
- Disturbing scenes, including descriptions of sexual abuse
- Passages about Jeannette's alcoholic father
Learning Objectives for Teaching The Glass Castle
- Understand Jeannette's childhood loyalty to her parents, despite their destructive behavior.
- Explain how societal expectations impact the decisions of the characters.
- Follow and provide key examples that highlight Jeannette's character development.
- Consider both the positive and negative influences of Rex and Rose Mary on their children.
- Identify points in which hopes and dreams are a driving force for the family.
Literary Elements in The Glass Castle
- Conflict
- Foreshadowing
- Imagery
- Irony
- Motif
- Personification
- Resolution
- Symbolism
Major Themes in The Glass Castle
Forgiveness — Jeannette repeatedly forgives her parents for the choices they made that adversely impacted her and her siblings. Oftentimes, it does not seem as if Rex and Rose Mary deserve forgiveness, but, even after she loses her childish naivety, Jeannette always finds it in her heart to do so.
Related Works:
Children — The Walls children are forced to fend for themselves and often make smarter, more rational decisions than their parents. They protect each other far more effectively than their parents do, and their parents' lifestyle choices leave them to grow up in extreme poverty.
Related Works:
Lost Dreams — The Glass Castle—a house built with walls entirely made out of glass—is Jeannette’s father’s dream and his motivation for many of the choices he makes. However, the dream is never realized, and he never comes to terms with his unfulfilled hopes.
Related Works:
Other Resources for The Glass Castle
Order The Glass Castle Resources from Prestwick House: