The Glass Castle

One quote standing out from "The Glass Castle", written by Jeanette Walls, was when Jeanette points out that "Once he finished the Prospector and we struck it rich, he'd start work on our Glass Castle." (Pg. 25) This is referred to continuously throughout the book, like on page 48 when is is stated that "There was gold in Battle Mountain, Dad said, and he intended to go after it with the prospector. Finally, we were going to strike it rich." These quotes are referring to how Jeanette's father had a plan to find gold using a device he had invented that would enable them to discover gold. Using the money that they received from the gold they would put towards making "The Glass Castle". The idea of the castle was to make the perfect house; the perfect family. For everyone to live in happily and I believe it was the family's one thing in their lives that they hoped they would eventually achieve. However Rex Walls, (Jeanette's father), never pursued his dream in order for it to come true. He would constantly mention that one day they will live happily in the castle, living off of the gold found by the prospector. It was the perfect life. This is a very strong example of someone having a dream, but neglecting the amount of effort it takes to achieve it. In result of his failed attempts and drinking habits, caused members of the family to slowly loose hope in him. Jeanette however was always by his side.


The reason I chose this quote is that it is something that can refer to everyone. Everyone has a dream that they want to achieve. Maybe you want to be a doctor, an astronaut, or a movie star. All of these take enormous amounts of determination, and dedication. Having your mind completely set on this goal. If you want something in life, you have to chase it and do everything you possible can to get to that point. The sacrifices you make on the way are what will make you decide exactly how much this dream means to you. Many people want to be wealthy, but the risks and life choices you have to make are what make people never get to that point.


However, it is these goals and dreams that keep people's hopes high. Perhaps the reason for Rex telling his family about living in "The Glass Castle" is just to keep them going. To avoid his family giving up on him, and on everything all together. Struggle is one thing that can really determine how much drive you have, and is also something that can really define who a person is. Bad times will either make or break you, and sometimes it's these dreams and goals that keep you going.