Discussion Questions
1. Jeannette Walls describes so vividly the poverty, neglect, and hunger which surrounded her childhood. Yet her parents also taught her music, art, geology, etc. What do you think is more important in raising a child: comfortable living conditions or intellectual development?
2. Early in her memoir, Jeannette Walls quotes her mother’s thoughts on parenting, “People worry too much about their children. Suffering when you are young is good for you…It immunize[s] your body and your soul”(28). Do you agree with Rose Mary that adversity is a necessary part of character building? Do you think that today’s parents do too much to protect theirs?
3. The Walls children discover information regarding their father’s alcoholism and dysfunctional behavior after the Brian/Erma episode. Does this information justify Rex’s behaviors?
4. Discuss Rex’s battle with alcoholism and his attempt at stopping it.
5. Rose Mary says several times, “I’m a grown woman now, why can’t I do what I want? Can adults do whatever they want?
6. Even though she considered herself a devout Roman Catholic, Rose Mary did not let the religious dogma of the church affect the way she lived her life; instead, she put great value on one’s “inner spirit ” (104). What is the difference between religion and spirituality? Did either influence your values and beliefs? In what ways?
7. It is safe to assume that neither Rose Mary nor Rex would ever be nominated for the Parent of the Year Award. Which of their respective flaws do you find most detrimental to effective parenting?
However, despite their obvious shortcomings, the Wallses provided their children with some fond memories and sensible advice. What is your favorite moment from Jeannette Walls’s childhood? Which of Rose Mary’s and Rex’s life lessons do you find sound? Why?
8. After moving to Phoenix, the Walls family was living a reasonably stable life. With a house and money inherited from Rose Mary’s mother and income from Rex’s union job, they were living what many might consider the American Dream. Yet, Rex felt trapped in the city; for him, the financial stability did not justify sacrificing one’s happiness, which for him was being “in touch with the natural order of the world” (106). Do you agree with Rex? How big of role does money play in your concept of happiness or success? What else do you need to consider your life fulfilling?
9. As a teenager, Jeannette Walls joined the staff of her high school newspaper so that - in her own words - “I could feel I belonged" (204). Do her words resonate with you? How important is it to fit in? Does this need change with age? Why?
10. “The Glass Castle will at times exhaust you, occasionally fill you with fury, and finally leave you in slack-jaw wonderment” (from National Review Online). Identify at least one passage from the memoir that left you feeling overwhelmed by the family’s dysfunction and poverty, one that angered you beyond words, and one that moved or inspired you just when you thought there was no hope and redemption.
Discussion Guides
Poverty in the United States
Walker Evans (American, 1903 - 1975)
