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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 happens to Jeannette when she first starts school in Blythe?

2. Where did Jeannette's mother grow up?

3. Why does Rex take the children to the zoo?

4. What is the Green Lantern?

5. Jeannette's parents believe that children need:

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the glass castle represent, not only to Rex, but to the rest of the family as well?

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

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

4. What gift does Jeannette ask her father for on her tenth birthday and how does he react?

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

6. What are some examples of the neglect that the children suffer during their time in both Battle Mountain and in Phoenix?

7. What does Grandma Smith provide for Jeannette that she doesn't get at home?

8. What is Rex's reaction to Rose Mary's plan to travel to West Virginia and what happens when the family gets ready to go?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the author's earliest memories is of being badly burned while she is cooking by herself as a small child. She spends several weeks in the hospital, during which time she is not unhappy. In fact, she responds to the incident in a calm manner that belies her age.

1) What are Jeannette's memories of the incident? How does she react to the staff at the hospital?

2) How does Jeannette respond to the staff when they tell her that she is going to be all right?

3) What is her father's response to the incident? Do you find it surprising, or is it typical of him?

4) What do both Jeannette's and her parents' way of dealing with this incident say about each of their personalities and ways of approaching life?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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