The Glass Castle : Quote Response

Respond to the following quotes in complete sentences using Say, Mean,

Technique, Matter.
Say What is the text literally saying; a direct quote or paraphrase

Technique How does the author use this specific technique to create meaning?

Mean What does this quote or passage mean in the context of the story? What
does it illustrate about a character or conflict? Is it symbolic? How does it
connect to a deeper meaning in the story? What can you infer? Be sure to
connect to the story.

Matter Why is this quote or idea in the passage important past the novel? What
Universal meaning or thematic idea does it illustrate? How does it relate to
Society, human behavior, the world or abstract concepts?

1. Say: “When Dad wasn’t telling us about all the amazing things he had already done, he was
telling us about the wondrous things he was going to do. Like build the Glass Castle… a great big
house he was going to build for us in the desert. It would have a glass ceiling and thick glass
wales and even a glass staircase” (Walls 25).

Technique: The Glass Castle serves as a symbol, a beacon of hope that all of the struggles and
hardships they face will be worth it when they reach their dreams in the future, a future their
father will provide for them.

Mean: Walls’s father portrays himself as a legendary character to himself and his children,
most likely in an attempt to compensate for his shortcomings and insecurities. Telling his
children incredible stories from his past makes his unrealistic musings regarding their future
seem more plausible. Since he is the source of most of his children’s problems, he devises these
grandiose promises to maintain their faith in him.

Matter: While many people learn to accept their personal failures and learn from their
mistakes, others, like Rex Walls, avoid reality and accountability by creating their own narrative
or fantasy in which they always come out on top, a hero. They manipulate themselves and others
into believing that things don’t work out for them because they are destined for bigger and
better things.
2. Say: “I could tell I was causing a big fuss, and I stayed quiet. One of them
squeezed my hand and told me I was going to be okay. “I know,” I said, “but
if not that’s okay, too” (Walls 10).

Technique:

The author uses the technique of dialogue to show characterization of Jeanette,

this occurs when she is talking to one of the nurses tending to her after her

burning accident.

Mean:
When Jeanette recalls going to the hospital and talking to the nurse, the dialogue

shows that Jeanette was very self-sufficient at a young age. Jeanette is able to tell

the nurse that she knows she is going to be okay, but it’s “okay, too” if she is not

(Walls 10).

Matter:

Using this technique of dialogue to show the specific character trait of Jeanette

being self- sufficient is important because it helps the reader to understand more

of the family dynamic and interaction that Jeanette has.

3. Say:
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Technique:
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Mean:

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Matter:

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4. Say:

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Mean:

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Matter:

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5. Say:
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Mean:
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Matter:

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