English 3
The Glass Castle/Essay topics
*You may build your essay off of writing or ideas you’ve already generated, such as from
journal writing or Socratic Seminar.
*You must use examples from ALL three parts of the story: “The Desert,” “Welch,” and “New
York.”
*Characteristics of transcendentalism: Self-reliance, non-conformity, free-thought, confidence,
importance of nature
Individual vs. Society (Jeannette):
Society dictates what is “normal.” Children learn how to behave based on what they see in
society. Consider that family is the first society a child is exposed to. This society shapes the
way a person sees the world before he actually see the world for himself. How does Jeannette’s
family influence her struggle with Individual vs. Society? Write an essay in which you explain
how/why Jeannette (an individual) struggles with her family (society). Does Jeannette grow up
to become a member of this society or does she become an individual? Try to refer to the
characteristics of transcendentalism.
*Possible Thesis: In The Glass Castle, Jeannette Walls describes her experiences growing up
with parents who are non-conformist, often acting in ways that society would see as
irresponsible. As a result, Rex and Rose Mary create their own society which creates problems
when the children are expected to function outside of the family. Jeannette struggles with
Individual vs. Society, in this way, throughout her childhood. For example, DIRECTION_____.
These conflicts influence how Walls fits into society as an adult because __EXPLANATION__.
Chaos vs. Order (Rex):
Rex Walls is a non-conformist. He rejects a “traditional” lifestyle, choosing to keep his family in
constant chaos. Rex is comfortable in chaos, comfortable to the point that he fails to see how his
children are often in danger because of his attitude and his beliefs. Even when his children
attempt to create order, Rex finds a way to disrupt it. Write an essay in which you explain how
Rex’s desire for chaos is actually his attempt to be in control. Why might it be necessary for him
to feel in control of his family in this way? (INFERENCE: HIS CHILDHOOD) How does
Rex’s chaotic ways manifest in the adult lives of his children? Try to refer to the characteristics
of transcendentalism.
*Possible Thesis: In The Glass Castle, Jeannette Walls describes growing up with a father who
sees himself as a non-conformist. An outsider, however, would see his lifestyle as chaotic. Rex
chooses to live this way because______Something about control______. As a result, his
children must _____Something about order________. For example, __ DIRECTION____.
Rex’s chaos affects the adult lives of his children in both positive and negative ways because
___EXPLANATION___.
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English 3
The Glass Castle/Essay topics
Coming of age (Rose Mary):
Coming of age refers to the transition between childhood/adolescence and adulthood. Becoming
an adult means taking on responsibilities that a person might not always enjoy. It means being
selfless rather than selfish. Often, responsible adults have to make sacrifices and consider what
is best for everyone rather than what is best for themselves. A true adult demonstrates qualities
of Transcendentalism. Rose Mary Walls does not act like a true adult. Her attitudes and
behaviors are childlike to the point that her children must assume adult responsibilities because
she refuses to. Write an essay in which you explain how Rose Mary never properly matured into
adulthood. What might be reason for this? (INFERENCE: HER RELATIONSHIP WITH
REX/HER MENTAL HEALTH) How does Rose Mary’s childlike ways affect her children?
Try to refer to the characteristics of transcendentalism.
*Possible Thesis: In The Glass Castle, Jeannette Walls describes growing up with a mother
who saw herself as a free-spirit, but who was actually very childlike. Rose Mary refuses to
nurture her children in a way that is typical for a mother. For example, _DIRECTION____. As
a result, the Walls children must ______Something about coming of age_____. This affects how
the adult Jeannette feels about her mother because EXPLANATION__.
Symbolism/Motif:
Symbolism is when an author uses a person, place, object, idea, or action to represent something
larger than itself. Symbolism is used as a tool that helps the writer establish theme, meaning, or
an idea that he wants the reader to understand without saying it directly. A motif is when that
symbol or idea is repeated throughout the story so that the theme is well-established. Think of a
symbol that is repeated throughout The Glass Castle. Then write an essay in which you follow
the progression of the symbol throughout the story (the symbol becoming a motif) and explain
how that motif sets up a larger idea (theme).
Motifs:
 Housing/Having a solid foundation (Rex and Rose Mary do not provide this)
 Safety/Being protected from real or imaginary dangers (Rex does not protect his children
from real or significant danger)
 Rose Mary’s detachment from reality/real emotion
 Children acting as adults
 Adults acting as children
 Other ideas?
*Possible Thesis: A motif is when a writer repeats certain symbols or ideas in order to establish
a thematic idea. In The Glass Castle, Jeannette Walls uses motif to establish an understanding
about her childhood and her parents. One motif is the repetition of____SYMBOL____. This
can be seen when _DIRECTION___. As a result, Jeannette sends the message that
___EXPLANATION_____.
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English 3
The Glass Castle/Essay topics
Nature vs. Nurture (Jeannette, Lori, Brian vs. Maureen):
Although, Maureen grows up with the same parents and in the same environment as her siblings,
her experiences and how she matures into an adult is very different from her siblings. Lori,
Jeannette, and Brian seem to have it in their nature to break free from the cycle of abuse and
poverty set into motion by their parents, whereas Maureen seems to be nurtured by her parents
and environment. Write an essay in which you explain how the struggle between nature and
nurture applies to Jeannette and her siblings. Why do three of the siblings end up successful,
while one ends up struggling? How much does one’s environment really affect a person
compared to their natural instincts?
Possible Thesis:
In The Glass Castle, Jeannette Walls tells the story of how she and her siblings grow up with
parents who, because of their non-conformist ways, fail to provide their children with the
nurturing that one expects from parents. As a result, the three older children ___compare nature
___, while the youngest child ___contrast nurture__. Examples of this can be seen when
___DIRECTION. These examples show that ___EXPLANATION (something about the
relationship between nature and nurture.
Draft Thesis Paragraph here:
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