Transcript The Glass Castle by: Jeannette Walls

The Glass Castle
by: Jeannette Walls
THEMES
Unit theme: CAMOUFLAGE
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Why do people try to fit in
or remain “unnoticed”?
When is it time to stand
up or move on to grow?
(remove your
camouflage)
Is camouflage necessary
for survival?
Is it a part of every
person’s development?
Novel themes: 1. NEGLECT
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By parents—constant moving, Jeannette burns
herself at 3 years old cooking hot dogs.
Jeannette and her brother are forced to steal food to
survive.
Mom’s refusal to work, and childhood neglect forces
kids to fend for themselves (physiologically, and even
sometimes for safety).
2. HOMELESSNESS
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Jeannette’s parents choose “homelessness” at the end of
the novel.
Refusal to work, and Rose Mary preferring to live as “an
excitement addict” leaves them on the streets.
Offers a new perspective on homelessness to the
reader…
What is homelessness? Is it a life without support and/or
structure, or is it physically
not having a place to sleep?
3. ALCOHOLISM
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Affects the entire family, not just the person
afflicted.
Forces the victim to make decisions that are not
always in the best interest of those around the
victim.
Rex is an alcoholic that makes bad decisions as
a result of his disease.
Forces the reader to consider—where
did his disease originate?
4. FORGIVENESS
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Jeannette’s tone is very matter-of-fact and direct.
Her perspective changes as she matures, however
her tone is not one of blame or anger.
Jeannette’s biggest message is one of acceptance,
tolerance, and forgiveness.
Her ability to forgive her parents is what
allows her to be a self-actualized,
successful person.
5. Sometimes the most responsible
people can be the children, not the
parents…
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Throughout the novel the kids are taking care of
each other and their parents… sometimes more
so than Rex and Rose Mary care for their own
kids.
Forces the reader to see triumph in difficulty, and
growth in places of darkness.
How does this motivate
readers?
6. LOST DREAMS
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Many characters lose their
dreams…
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Why?
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Rex
Rose Mary
Maureen
Lack of money?
Lack of education?
Lack of motivation?
Addiction?
Cycle of Abuse?
What makes Jeannette successful,
or able to overcome?
Why The Glass Castle?
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Because it is possible to overcome
the odds.
It is important to reflect on your past
and decide how YOU WANT it to
REFLECT / DETERMINE your
future.
Because if Jeannette can do it…
anyone can!!
THE END…