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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. How long does Jeannette stay in the hospital?

2. Why does the family often pick up and leave in the middle of the night?

3. Where does Rex work when the family lives in Battle Mountain?

4. What is Rose Mary's philosophy on child-rearing?

5. In Part 2, what does Jeannette ask her father for as a Christmas gift?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Rex dislike staying with Rose Mary's mother (Grandma Smith)?

2. "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?

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

4. What event happened the day that Rose Mary and Rex met, that Rex says caused him to fall in love with her?

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

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

7. How does Rex teach Jeannette to swim, and how is it representative of his philosophy of parenting in general?

8. Why does the Walls family frequently pack up and move in the middle of the night?

9. How does Jeannette's adult life differ from her mother's?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Although life is very difficult in the Walls household, one way that the children cope is through depending on each other. Describe the relationship between the children: Brian, Lori, Jeannette, and Maureen and how they depend on and take care of each other. What roles do each of these children play within the family? Cite specific examples from the book.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Rex's alcoholism is a major theme in the memoir. Although he occasionally is able to stop drinking for a short time, inevitably he returns to it. What personality traits and aspects of his background seem to contribute to his tendency toward alcoholism?

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