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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. Why do the other children look down on the Walls children?

2. What is the condition of the Wells' house like when spring comes in Part 3?

3. What does Jeannette try to talk her mother into doing to make hers and the children's lives better?

4. Where is Rose Mary living at the time of the Thanksgiving dinner?

5. For what purpose do Jeannette and Brian start digging a large hole in the backyard?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Rex and Rose Mary's living arrangements and lifestyle in New York.

2. What is Rex's mother, Erma, like, and how does she differ from Grandma Smith?

3. How does Rex, despite all of his problems, show his devotion to Jeannette during her college years?

4. What is Jeannette's reaction when a social worker comes to visit the home, and what does she tell her parents about it?

5. What potentially dangerous situation does Rex put Jeannette in while her mother is out of town for training?

6. What has the author found with her second husband that she did not have with her first?

7. Rex is largely absent from the family after they move to Welch. What has he been doing during this time?

8. What happens to the family's money when Jeannette is put in charge of managing it while her mother is gone?

9. Why does Rose Mary quit her job, and what is Jeannette's reaction?

10. Why do Rex and Rose Mary follow their children to New York City to live?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Walls children have a hard time adjusting to life as adults. How does each of them carry the scars of their neglectful childhood?

1) Compare Brian, Maureen, Jeannette, and Lori as adults. How are their lives alike, and how do they differ?

2) What difficulties has each of them faced as adults, and how successful have they been in overcoming or learning from these difficulties?

3) What good traits, or qualities has each of these children developed as a result of their "unique" childhood?

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,121 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample