Glass Castle: Text Essay

Choose one option from the following:                DUE FRIDAY OCTOBER 21

1. THE GLASS CASTLE:  Examine the symbolism of the Glass Castle. What is it, when is it mentioned in the book, and how does it relate to Jeannette’s experience as well as the themes of the book?

2. REX WALLS: Examine Jeannette’s relationship to her father closely. How does it change in the story? How does Jeannette come to terms with it in the end?

3. CHARACTER RELATIONSHIP PAIRS: Compare and contrast two relationships in the book. For example, Jeannette/Rex to Jeanette/Rose Mary, or Jeannette/Lori to Jeannette/Brian. How do the differences and similarities help Jeannette come to terms with her life?

4. FIRE AND TURBULENCE: The last line of the memoir reads, “the candle flames suddenly shifted, dancing along the border between turbulence and order.” This mirrors the first chapter of the book, which depicts Jeannette’s burning incident. In what way does Jeannette’s life waver between turmoil and order? What do the themes of fire and burning demonstrate? Cite specific examples in the book.

5. POVERTY: Examine the descriptions of poverty in the book. How does Jeannette’s impoverished upbringing shape who she becomes at the end of the memoir?

Extra Credit Option 20 points

2-3 pages: View the South African film, “Tsotsi.” Compare the destitution portrayed in the film with that of the book, “The Glass Castle.” How does poverty shape each of the main characters in the film vs. the book?

Requirements:

1. A solid argument: Make sure to include a solid, well-reasoned and thoughtful thesis statement in your first paragraph.

2. Polished, college level style & tone: Keep in mind that your audience is university-level readers. Use accurate diction and correct spelling, mechanics, grammar, and punctuation—eliminate surface level errors.

3. Evidentiary support: Provide specific details and passages from the novel to support your claim.  Provide a Works Cited page only if you use sources other than the novel.

4. MLA format: typed, double spaced, one inch margins (you need to adjust this—it is not your default setting), proper headings, 12 point font, Times New Roman.

5. Page Length: 3-4 full pages.

6. Grading: Points will be deducted if the paper does not meet the page limit or is handed in late.

HW Journal #4

The Glass Castle pgs. 155-213

1-2 Full Page(s) due Th. 10/6

Choose one of the following two options to answer thoughtfully and fully:

A) When the Walls family moves to Little Hobart Street, they quickly descend into impoverished living conditions. How does Jeannette cope with the deficiencies in her life? Discuss at least one specific example.

OR

B) How do Jeannette and her siblings tolerate abuse? To what extent do you sympathize with her situation? Are her justifications (for her father's behavior, her mother's neglect, etc) valid or has she been taught to believe in a false reality? Explain.

HW Journal #3

The Glass Castle pgs. 91-154

1-2 Full Page(s) due Th 9/29

A) How do the Walls siblings show loyalty toward each other? Cite specific examples. Despite her family's support and loyalty, during which instance does Jeannette feel lonely?

B) How does the Christmas incident signify a turning point in Jeannette's life? Does the event change her perspective about her father?

C) How does the Walls' life in Welch compare to Battle Mountain and Phoenix? In what way does Jeannette's life in Welch shape her late childhood/early adolescence?

Glass Castle Prompts

In your Composition Notebook, answer three of the following questions with a detailed response:. Due Fri 9/23

• How reliable is a memory? Do you and your siblings remember events from your childhood the same way? If not, why do you think this is so?
• Describe your first memory.
• Will you raise your children the same way your parents raised you? Explain.
• Do you think that difficult family circumstances bring siblings closer together or push them apart? Explain.

Homework Journal #2

Homework Journal #2: The Glass Castle, pp. 42-90

1-2 Full Page(s) Due Wed 9/14

A) How does the following passage epitomize the Walls’ lifestyle and demonstrate Jeannette’s tolerant and understanding character? How does the swimming event compare to the fire incident on p. 9?

           

“I staggered out of the water and sat on the calcified rocks, my chest heaving. Dad came out of the water, too, and tried to hug me, but I wouldn’t have anything to do with him, or with Mom, who’d been floating on her back as if nothing were happening, or with Brian and Lori, who gathered around and were congratulating me. Dad kept telling me that he loved me, that he never would have let me drown, but you can’t cling to the side your whole life, that one lesson every parent needs to teach a child is ‘If you don’t want to sink, you better figure out how to swim.’ What other reason, he asked, would possibly make him do this? Once I got my breath back, I figured he must be right. There was no other way to explain it” (66).

B) How does Jeannette describe her father in the beginning of the memoir? How does she express her trust in her father? Cite specific examples.

Homework Journal #1

HWJ #1: The Glass Castle, pp. 3-41

1-2 Full Page(s) due Tues. 9/6

 

A) What impression of Jeannette’s mother do you get in the first section? Why do you think the author chooses to begin the memoir with this encounter?

B) How do Jeannette’s parents explain the “skedaddle?” How do they justify all the moves? What are Jeannette and her siblings’ reactions to constantly moving?

C) Describe a memory you have of moving, whether it was moving homes, schools, or even rooms. What kind of impact or significance did the move have on you?