When reading the list of quotes to relate to The Glass Castle, the aforementioned one by Bill Cosby struck me as the perfect description for this memoir. In the beginning it was clear how Rex and Mary Rose Walls used humor as a sort of a tactic to distract their children from the severity of their living conditions. Although I honestly feel they were also doing it to divert their own attention from the hardships at hand, humoring themselves. Obviously, since all the kids were so young and in awe of their parents "venturesome" outlook, this worked quite well. The children, up until a certain point, had an immense amount of faith in their parents, and would support their actions even if they deep down knew it was not in their best interest. Of course, harsh feelings would surface, but adding a joke or comical affirmation (especially coming from Rex) would lighten situations that most other parents would crumble in disgust and shame over. As time goes on, it becomes solely up to Jeannette, Lori, Brian and Maureen to fend for themselves and keep a (very) positive outlook during the especially tumultuous times in Welch, West Virginia.
One incident which directly parallels the quote I chose occurs when Jeannette and her father are discussing the scorching heat, sitting on the porch of their dilapidated house.
"Dad started laughing. It was a silent laugh that made his shoulders shake, and the more he laughed, the funnier it seemed to him, which made him laugh even harder. I had to start laughing, too, and soon we were both hysterical, lying on our backs, tears running down our cheeks, slapping out feet on the porch floor"(189).
Although the children eventually all separate from Rex and Mary Rose and each have their individual disputes with their parents, if it weren't for the initial lighthearted "adventures" they all experienced, the situation would have not resulted as it did- which I personally feel is uplifting rather than depressing, as some could possibly see it.
3 comments:
I think out of all the quotes this is the one that best supports "The Glass Castle". You did a great job - focusing on the family as a whole and then a particular situation. The passage you chose from the book fit perfectly into your analysis. The only critique I have is that you should have mentioned something about the "...even poverty..." part of Bill Cosby's quote. Other than that great job!
I agree--this quote is the most fitting for this book. Throughout Jeannete's entire young life, she relied on optimism and lightheartedness to get by. Not only did she do this, but so did her family. She was able to overcome poverty by keeping a positive outlook. Also, as a child, she was kept blissfully ignorant by her parents. By laughing at her troubles, and making games out of serious situations, she was able to forget and move on.
cacophony-- my what a pen name to choose. :) Wonder why you perceive yourself as harsh and possibly a collection of sounds that may have no meaning.
As for your thoughts on laughter, I agree. Sometimes it is only laughter that saves us, that helps us to remain strong and determined.
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