The Glass Castle Entry 2

                In the rest of the novel, Walls describes more hardships she and her family face. For example, they are banned from Erma’s because they fought her when she started to molest Brian. They then stay in Welch but in a run-down home. The family continues to go from being able to eat to near starvation. The hardships cause Maureen to practically live with her friends, Lori to leave, Jeannette to stop believing in Rex, and Brian to be full of anger. Though they continue to have difficult lives, eventually all the children make their way to live in New York and begin to make something of themselves. Their transition is interrupted when Rex and Rose Mary move to New York too. At first the kids try to help their parents but when they realize it is useless, and their parents then become homeless. Jeannette, Lori, and Brian all continue to grow and make something of themselves but Maureen moves in with the parents which causes her to go mad and stab Rose Mary. She leaves for California after being arrested and put in the hospital. Then Rex gets sick and dies. The return of the hardships makes the family disconnect. However, in the end they all (but Maureen) gather at Jeannette’s new home, a farmhouse, with her second Husband, John, where she is very happy. Brian is divorced but a decorated sergeant detective with a daughter and nice home. Lori is still living in her apartment in New York and Rose Mary is still content with being homeless.

                I love seeing that each child of Rex and Rose Mary make something of themselves. I enjoy seeing the empowerment Jeannette obtains through her new life and through finally telling her story after hiding it for so long. To think of how her parents were and seeing that she does not hold any anger towards them is unbelievable but also inspirational. Jeannette learns that her mother could’ve sold land for a million dollars and sees how her father is capable of changing, yet she holds no anger towards them for not improving her childhood. Jeannette is an inspiration.

                As for the others, I enjoyed seeing their lives improve as well. However, I never thought I would feel bad for her parents until her father begs Jeannette to stay in Welch. It was heartbreaking to read which made me realize that deep down her parents do care sometimes. But I can still not fathom that they did and said those things during Jeannette’s childhood. I still cannot believe Rose Mary has a way to not be homeless but refuses to improve her life.

                From a feminist’s point of view, the book illustrates women empowerment. Jeannette lives a harsh life as a child facing the hardships of her parents and society. It seems as if she is planted in this low class role but she breaks away from expectations and makes something of herself. Jeannette becomes a content working woman but also creates a happy family. Jeannette Walls proves that women, or even anybody, can break away and empower themselves with their own story.