Family Values in "Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls

Family values play a crucial role in shaping the dynamics and relationships within a household. In Jeannette Walls' memoir, "The Glass Castle," the author explores her unconventional upbringing and the impact it had on her understanding of family values. Walls portrays her parents' unorthodox approach to parenting and the contrasting values she develops as a result. This essay will delve into the themes of resilience, self-reliance, and perseverance in the face of adversity, as depicted by Walls, and argue that despite the unconventional nature of her family, their shared experiences shaped her values and ultimately contributed to her personal growth.

Resilience as a Family Value

One of the key family values portrayed in "The Glass Castle" is resilience. Despite the Walls family facing numerous hardships and challenges, they consistently demonstrate their ability to bounce back. For example, Walls recounts instances where her father, Rex, who struggles with alcoholism, would lose his job due to his drinking habits. However, the family would adapt to these circumstances without losing hope, constantly moving from one place to another in search of new opportunities.

Walls describes an incident in which they are forced to live in a run-down house in Welch, West Virginia. Despite the dilapidated state of the house, the family comes together to make the best of their situation. Walls writes, "We made the place our own, and in the process, we made ourselves a home" (Walls, p. 128). This exemplifies the resilience ingrained in the Walls family, as they transform their surroundings into a place of comfort and stability.

This resilience, although unconventional, mirrors the values that society often associates with the concept of family. While the Walls family may not conform to traditional norms, their ability to persevere and adapt demonstrates their shared commitment to overcome obstacles and support one another.

The Importance of Self-Reliance

Another significant family value portrayed in "The Glass Castle" is self-reliance. Jeannette Walls and her siblings are often left to fend for themselves due to their parents' neglect and inability to provide a stable environment. This lack of parental guidance forces the children to become self-reliant, developing essential skills that will serve them later in life.

Throughout the memoir, Walls recounts instances where she takes on the role of caretaker for her siblings. She describes how she learns to cook meals and take care of the household chores at a young age. Walls writes, "We were our own little community, taking care of one another" (Walls, p. 95). This self-reliance not only fosters independence within Walls and her siblings but also strengthens their bond as a family.

The Walls family's emphasis on self-reliance challenges the notion that family values are solely derived from parental influence. Despite their parents' shortcomings, the children develop a sense of responsibility and learn to rely on one another for support. This highlights the importance of familial bonds and the resilience that can be fostered within non-traditional family structures.

Perseverance in the Face of Adversity

Finally, "The Glass Castle" portrays perseverance as a key family value. Jeannette Walls and her siblings face numerous challenges throughout their childhood, from poverty to homelessness. However, they refuse to let these obstacles define them.

Walls describes a pivotal moment when she and her brother, Brian, decide to escape their difficult living conditions and move to New York City. Despite their initial struggles, they manage to secure stable jobs and eventually achieve success. Walls reflects on this experience, stating, "We'd made our own way, dug our own foundation, and it was solid" (Walls, p. 233). This highlights the Walls family's determination to overcome adversity and build a better future for themselves.

The perseverance demonstrated by Walls and her siblings challenges societal expectations of what constitutes a successful family. Despite their unconventional upbringing, the Walls family proves that resilience, self-reliance, and perseverance are essential values that can lead to personal growth and success.

Conclusion

Jeannette Walls' memoir, "The Glass Castle," sheds light on the unconventional yet powerful family values that shaped her upbringing. Through the themes of resilience, self-reliance, and perseverance, Walls showcases how her family's shared experiences contributed to her personal growth. Despite the unconventional nature of the Walls family, their ability to overcome adversity and support one another highlights the resilience and strength that can be fostered within non-traditional family structures. Walls' memoir challenges societal norms surrounding family values, emphasizing the importance of individual growth and the impact of shared experiences on personal development.