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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Jeannette's manner of telling her story in Part 1?

2. How does Jeannette feel as she looks around her comfortable apartment?

3. How long has Rex worked at the job in Battle Mountain before leaving it?

4. How does the Walls' financial situation improve for a time in Pheonix?

5. After Lily Ruth Maureen is born, where does the family move?

Short Essay Questions

1. "The Glass Castle" is the author's story of the unusual, and some would say tragic, circumstances of her childhood. What is the author's tone as she tells her story? How does this reflect who she is as a person?

2. Why does Rex take the children over the safety fence to touch a cheetah at the zoo?

3. What is Rose Mary's reply in Part 1 to Jeannette's asking her what she should tell others about her mother?

4. The author tells her story in a very straightforward manner. What does her style of writing say about her personality?

5. How does Rose Mary's philosophy of life make it difficult for her to hold a job?

6. What are some of the unorthodox ways that the Walls parents get money and items for the house?

7. How was Jeannette's childhood atypical?

8. What is life like for the Walls children when they first move to Phoenix?

9. How does Rose Mary try to make the family's Christmas in Phoenix special, and what happens to ruin it for them all?

10. How do Lori and Jeannette help take responsibility for the new baby, Maureen, on the trip to their new home in Part 2?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the most prominent themes of this book is that of forgiveness. Despite living in such difficult circumstances, and despite being the innocent victims of their parents' selfishness and poor decisions, the Walls children continue to welcome their parents into their lives, particularly as adults. Discuss the theme of forgiveness in "The Glass Castle". Cite examples from the book of how the author is able to forgive others, and herself as well. Consider:

1) How does Jeannette show that she forgives her parents, both as a child and an adult?

2) What is it about Jeannette's personality that allows her to show forgiveness?

3) How does the author's unusual upbringing actually help to develop this quality in her?

Essay Topic 2

The relationship between the author and her parents is a very complex one. She is both fond of them and attempts to understand their behavior, and is shocked that they are able to be so childish and neglectful in providing for even the very basic needs of the children. Discuss this relationship with consideration to the following questions:

1) Discuss examples of the neglectful behavior described in the book. How are the parents negligent and how are the children able to get by in spite of this?

2) Relate examples of the positive experiences that the author has with each of her parents, and what she considers to be some of their positive characteristics.

Essay Topic 3

Money is not important to Rose Mary and Rex Walls, which is demonstrated throughout the book. Although it may sometimes appear that the couple's actions are somewhat amoral or selfish, they are actually living according to their own set of moral values that do not agree with those of society. What are the values of Rose Mary and Rex and how do they demonstrate them to both their children and the world? What is it that really matters to Rex and Rose Mary?

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