Parent's Beliefs

        Throughout The Glass Castle, Jeannette's parents had somewhat abnormal beliefs that were different from other families. I would describe Rose Mary Walls as a free-spirited artist whose standards and beliefs included self dependency and letting nature take its course. She didn't worry too much about any of her children, but instead devoted herself to her life. On the other hand, Rex Walls was a very intelligent father who cared deeply about his kids and always spoke his mind. A very severe problem that tore his family apart was his drinking. In fact, he didn't always finish what he planned to because of this problem. Rex's intelligence had the power to make his family rich, but he put it to waste by never getting jobs and spending all his money at bars. Although he had these many issues, I felt very sorrowful when he passed away because he always tried his hardest to make his children happy.
        Rex and Rose Mary's beliefs grew to ultimately change their children's lives. Dealing with their dysfunctional family, Lori, Brian, and Jeannette helped each other out and raised money to buy food.  Maureen, who just spent her time at friend's houses, never experienced any teamwork or self-sufficiency. I think that is why she became upset and confused and ended up stabbing her mother towards the end of the novel. To conclude, Rex and Rose Mary's beliefs have changed the lives of their children.

        A song that reminded me of how Rex and Rose Mary's beliefs have changed Jeannette and her siblings lives is "Innocent" by Taylor Swift. Jeannette, Laurie, Maureen, and Brian were all born into an environment that they couldn't control, but still had control over who they would become. Some siblings made their choices better than others, but at the end of the day it was themselves who decided their fate.