In the memoir, The Glass Castle, by Jeanette Walls, each character plays a distinct role in the narrator’s life; however, Rex Walls, her father, plays an especially significant role in the development of the story as well as the in the life of Jeanette herself. All readers may not particularly like his character, however his “layers” become revealed as Jeanette tells the story of her family.
Rex Walls’ layers represent his outer tough-guy shell, an image that he feels suits the male role in a family, similar to gender roles, Rex would fit the male gender role of his generation perfectly. He is the sole-breadwinner in the family as revealed because he literally is the one constantly looking for jobs in the family. Rose will do what she can, however, the literal diction reveals the stress felt by Rex to keep up a life for his family.
As Jeanette goes more in depth into her life we witness a softer side of Rex Walls through his daughter’s point of view. The event that probably stands out the most is the Christmas in which Rex gave each of his kids a star. At first this seems very unconventional and rude that he feels it is an appropriate gift for his dearly loved children. However, Jeanette reveals that this is merely his way of showing affection, and you being to understand that the kids do not know any better and in fact this may be more heartfelt because he is sharing with them his time and knowledge so that they may feel a special bond with him that no one else shares, this night under the stars.
Rex Walls’ character can be easily looked down upon because he copes with his stress by drinking and often yells at his wife and even his children. However, as his “layers” are revealed through Jeanette’s hopeful tone of him, readers understand that he is doing his best, and that is acceptable.
I actually rather enjoyed Rex Walls' "character" in Jeannette's memoir. Although his parenting style, or lack there of, is criticized, at some point, he must have done something right to produce these responsible, successful children. Jeannette adored her father up until his drinking grew worse, but at this point in the story, the reader realizes that basically, he is the only parent really around. Her mother is off on a trip for her "art," and she leaves the house to Jeannette, but her father, no matter his sobriety, was there. In my opinion I see Rex Walls as the ultimate complex character because there is so much Jeannette and the reader don't know or understand about him. As you put it, he has "layers" that even up until his death were not explored. Yes, he had problems, but it seems to me that there was still so much there behind the bottle.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both of you. All of Jeanette Walls characters were complex and held a specific purpose to the novel, yet I feel that Rex has a significant importance in the novel. The reader, or even Jeanette, never discovers his purpose or "reason for his madness". I think this what make him such a complex character because there so much we do know about him. It is easy to judge him on his drinking and bad habits, but it is important to remember that most alcoholics are trying escape from something mentally or physically. Rex is obviously smart and could have been a successful man, yet he found a life of poverty and alcohol. This lead me to wonder about Rex Wells past and how got to this point.
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