Dysfunctional Childhood In The Works Of Jeannette Walls
Jeannette Walls tells the story of her dysfunctional childhood during the 70’s. Her life is dismal to the reader because so many negative things happen throughout her first 6 years of life. She is full of optimism and joy. She is able to see the good in every person and every situation. Jeannette tells the intriguing yet disturbing story of her childhood without putting pity on herself.
Jeannette sees the good in almost everyone around her, from her Father, to terribly mean teachers. Although to the reader it is clear that her dad is an abusive, delusional, crazy, alcoholic, she claims that she would never stop believing in him. She sees the good in her dad, she doesn’t see the negative things. Her siblings Brian and Lori notice the terrible
attributions to their father's character, like his drinking and gambling, his cheating and abusive words and actions toward their mother, and his inconsistency. Jeanette is always trying to reassure her siblings that he will fulfill all of his promises, like he will find gold, and he will build them their glass castle. Jeanette still doesn't want pity.
Although Jeannette is faithful in her parents as a child, she grows to learn differently. As an adult, she and her siblings are embarrassed by their parents. They know they must protect themselves from them. She fails to understand her Father's reasoning, and why her mother follows along and doesn’t ever stand up for herself. Jeannette knows they need help, but they won’t ever change, again, a reason why she must learn to protect herself. Jeanette's delusional father and dependent mother will leave her scarred for her entire life.
The wall’s family is obviously terribly flawed and dysfunctional, but they love each other. Throughout the walls childhoods, they all always are faithful to one another. They often times try to make the best of their situations, and they often times didn’t complain about things that anyone of us today would have. This dysfunctional family teaches us all to keep on going when it’s rough, and Jeannette shows you how it is oftentimes easier to see the great in people.
Jeannette sees the good in almost everyone around her, from her Father, to terribly mean teachers. Although to the reader it is clear that her dad is an abusive, delusional, crazy, alcoholic, she claims that she would never stop believing in him. She sees the good in her dad, she doesn’t see the negative things. Her siblings Brian and Lori notice the terrible
attributions to their father's character, like his drinking and gambling, his cheating and abusive words and actions toward their mother, and his inconsistency. Jeanette is always trying to reassure her siblings that he will fulfill all of his promises, like he will find gold, and he will build them their glass castle. Jeanette still doesn't want pity.
Although Jeannette is faithful in her parents as a child, she grows to learn differently. As an adult, she and her siblings are embarrassed by their parents. They know they must protect themselves from them. She fails to understand her Father's reasoning, and why her mother follows along and doesn’t ever stand up for herself. Jeannette knows they need help, but they won’t ever change, again, a reason why she must learn to protect herself. Jeanette's delusional father and dependent mother will leave her scarred for her entire life.
The wall’s family is obviously terribly flawed and dysfunctional, but they love each other. Throughout the walls childhoods, they all always are faithful to one another. They often times try to make the best of their situations, and they often times didn’t complain about things that anyone of us today would have. This dysfunctional family teaches us all to keep on going when it’s rough, and Jeannette shows you how it is oftentimes easier to see the great in people.