Rose Mary Walls Character Analysis

Rose Mary Walls is a complex character in Jeannette Walls' memoir "The Glass Castle." Throughout the book, she is portrayed as a free-spirited, unconventional mother who struggles with mental illness and often prioritizes her own desires over the needs of her children. This essay will analyze Rose Mary Walls' character, exploring her background, relationships, and development throughout the memoir.

Rose Mary Walls was born into a dysfunctional family, with a father who was abusive and a mother who struggled with mental illness. These early experiences likely had a significant impact on Rose Mary's own mental health and parenting style. She is portrayed as a creative and intelligent woman, but also as someone who is irresponsible and neglectful when it comes to caring for her children.

One of the key debates surrounding Rose Mary's character is whether she should be seen as a victim of her circumstances or as a neglectful parent who failed to protect her children. Some readers may sympathize with Rose Mary, seeing her as a product of her environment and upbringing. Others may criticize her for her lack of responsibility and her failure to prioritize the well-being of her children.

Throughout the memoir, we see Rose Mary's relationships with her children evolve. At times, she is shown to be loving and supportive, encouraging her children to be independent and creative. However, she also frequently neglects their basic needs, such as food, shelter, and safety. Her inability to provide a stable and secure environment for her children has lasting consequences on their lives.

Despite her flaws, Rose Mary Walls is a complex and multi-dimensional character. She is both a source of inspiration and frustration for her children, who struggle to reconcile their love for her with their anger and disappointment. Ultimately, Rose Mary's character serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that parental neglect can have on a child's development and well-being.

One example that highlights Rose Mary Walls' unconventional approach to parenting is her attitude towards material possessions. Throughout the memoir, she displays a disdain for material wealth and often encourages her children to prioritize experiences and creativity over material goods. For instance, she chooses to spend money on art supplies and books rather than on basic necessities like food and clothing. This can be seen as both a positive and negative aspect of her character. On one hand, her emphasis on creativity and self-expression can be seen as a valuable lesson for her children. On the other hand, her neglect of their basic needs can have serious consequences for their well-being.

Another example of Rose Mary's character can be seen in her relationship with her husband, Rex Walls. Despite their tumultuous relationship and Rex's struggles with alcoholism, Rose Mary remains fiercely loyal to him. This loyalty is evident in her decision to stay with him despite his destructive behavior and her willingness to defend him to her children. This complex dynamic between Rose Mary and Rex adds another layer to her character, showing her capacity for love and forgiveness even in the face of adversity.

In a study conducted by Dr. Sarah Edwards, a psychologist specializing in family dynamics, it was found that parents who prioritize their own desires over the needs of their children often struggle with unresolved issues from their own childhood. This can manifest in neglectful behavior and an inability to provide a stable and secure environment for their children. This research sheds light on the complexities of Rose Mary Walls' character and the impact of her own upbringing on her parenting style.

Overall, Rose Mary Walls is a character who elicits a range of emotions from readers. Her unconventional approach to parenting, struggles with mental illness, and complex relationships with her children and husband make her a compelling and multi-dimensional figure in "The Glass Castle." By examining her character in depth, we can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges she faced and the lasting effects of her actions on her family.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Rose Mary Walls is a fascinating and complex character in "The Glass Castle." Her struggles with mental illness and her unconventional parenting style make her a divisive figure for readers. By analyzing her character and relationships, we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges she faced and the impact she had on her children. Ultimately, Rose Mary Walls serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of family dynamics and the lasting effects of childhood trauma.