"'We may not have insulation,' Mom said as we all gathered around the stove, 'but we have each other'" (Walls 177).
- Jeannette's mother compares the love they have for each other as a family to insulation, keeping them warm in the dark and lonely times. "'Just remember,' Mom said after examining the blisters, 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.' 'If that was true, I'd be Hercules by now,'" (Walls 179). - Lori claims that after all of the tough times they have been through, they have indeed become Hercules, comparing all of the strength which they have gained throughout their lives to that of Hercules. |
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Mountain goatJeannette's father refers to her as "mountain goat," and as the novel progresses the purpose of this unique nickname comes through. Mountain goats are a tough animal and can survive in harsh conditions, which, compared to Jeannette's situation, perfectly describes her; constantly handling and making the best out of the worst of circumstances.
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FireFire reappears in Walls' life several times, every time "burning" her more and more, for example, when she was very young she caught on fire, almost dying. The appearance of fire in The Glass Castle symbolizes destruction, such as her father's destructive habit of drinking and the effect it has on the family. You can also see this concept of destruction in her writing, especially when she is in Welch, there are several moments when she uses destructive rhetoric to describe tragic experiences.
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RocksRocks are one of the most prominent metaphorical concepts present in The Glass Castle because Jeannette shows a love for rocks her whole life. Rocks, just like her, are heavily influenced and shaped by their environment, or for her, her experiences. The obsession Jeannette shows for these smooth, but sometimes rough creations of nature, also shows her love for her life and the passion she has for all of these so-called "adventures" and constant "skedaddling." This passion is so evident in her style of writing because no matter how bad the circumstances may be, she writes with an intense sense of pride in herself, her family, and where she came from.
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"The Oldsmobile"Walls writes in a persistent, relentless manner, which is mirrored in the family's run-down car, the "Oldsmobile." The "Oldsmobile" was constantly breaking down, but somehow trudged on, similar to how her family may have fallen apart at times, but always picked up the pieces and started right where they left off.
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