1. The Glass Castle by: Jeannette Walls THEMES

2. Unit theme: CAMOUFLAGE Why do people try to fit in or remain “unnoticed”? Why do people try to fit in or remain “unnoticed”? When is it time to stand up or move on to grow? (remove your camouflage) When is it time to stand up or move on to grow? (remove your camouflage) Is camouflage necessary for survival? Is camouflage necessary for survival? Is it a part of every person’s development? Is it a part of every person’s development?

3. Novel themes: 1. NEGLECT By parents—constant moving, Jeannette burns herself at 3 years old cooking hot dogs. By parents—constant moving, Jeannette burns herself at 3 years old cooking hot dogs. Jeannette and her brother are forced to steal food to survive. Jeannette and her brother are forced to steal food to survive. Mom’s refusal to work, and childhood neglect forces kids to fend for themselves (physiologically, and even sometimes for safety). Mom’s refusal to work, and childhood neglect forces kids to fend for themselves (physiologically, and even sometimes for safety).

4. 2. HOMELESSNESS Jeannette’s parents choose “homelessness” at the end of the novel. Jeannette’s parents choose “homelessness” at the end of the novel. Refusal to work, and Rose Mary preferring to live as “an excitement addict” leaves them on the streets. Refusal to work, and Rose Mary preferring to live as “an excitement addict” leaves them on the streets. Offers a new perspective on homelessness to the reader… Offers a new perspective on homelessness to the reader… What is homelessness? Is it a life without support and/or structure, or is it physically What is homelessness? Is it a life without support and/or structure, or is it physically not having a place to sleep?

5. 3. ALCOHOLISM Affects the entire family, not just the person afflicted. Affects the entire family, not just the person afflicted. Forces the victim to make decisions that are not always in the best interest of those around the victim. Forces the victim to make decisions that are not always in the best interest of those around the victim. Rex is an alcoholic that makes bad decisions as a result of his disease. Rex is an alcoholic that makes bad decisions as a result of his disease. Forces the reader to consider—where Forces the reader to consider—where did his disease originate? did his disease originate?

6. 4. FORGIVENESS Jeannette’s tone is very matter-of-fact and direct. Jeannette’s tone is very matter-of-fact and direct. Her perspective changes as she matures, however her tone is not one of blame or anger. Her perspective changes as she matures, however her tone is not one of blame or anger. Jeannette’s biggest message is one of acceptance, tolerance, and forgiveness. Jeannette’s biggest message is one of acceptance, tolerance, and forgiveness. Her ability to forgive her parents is what Her ability to forgive her parents is what allows her to be a self-actualized, allows her to be a self-actualized, successful person.

7. 5. Sometimes the most responsible people can be the children, not the parents… Throughout the novel the kids are taking care of each other and their parents… sometimes more so than Rex and Rose Mary care for their own kids. Throughout the novel the kids are taking care of each other and their parents… sometimes more so than Rex and Rose Mary care for their own kids. Forces the reader to see triumph in difficulty, and growth in places of darkness. Forces the reader to see triumph in difficulty, and growth in places of darkness. How does this motivate How does this motivatereaders?

8. 6. LOST DREAMS Many characters lose their dreams… Many characters lose their dreams… Rex Rex Rose Mary Rose Mary Maureen Maureen Why? Why? Lack of money? Lack of money? Lack of education? Lack of education? Lack of motivation? Lack of motivation? Addiction? Addiction? Cycle of Abuse? Cycle of Abuse? What makes Jeannette successful, or able to overcome? What makes Jeannette successful, or able to overcome?

9. Why The Glass Castle? Because it is possible to overcome the odds. Because it is possible to overcome the odds. It is important to reflect on your past and decide how YOU WANT it to It is important to reflect on your past and decide how YOU WANT it to REFLECT / DETERMINE your future. Because if Jeannette can do it… Because if Jeannette can do it… anyone can!!

10. THE END…