In The Glass Castle, Jeannette’s dysfunctional life is captured through tales of mayhem. A specific symbol in the novel that seized my attention due to its continual development from beginning to end, was when Rex Walls describes the zone “known in physics as the boundary between turbulence and order. “’It's a place where no rules apply, or at least they haven't figured 'em out yet,’"(Walls 61). “’The boundary between turbulence and order’” is something that directly represents the Walls family because while they are not completely chaotic to the point of catastrophe, they are by no means orderly in the way that they live their lives. It symbolizes how Rose Mary and Rex Walls view their parenting style as well, holding their children to no rules but to respect one another and to work as a family. The last line of the memoir brings the symbol full circle, “A wind picked up, rattling the windows, and the candle flames suddenly shifted, dancing along the border between turbulence and order,” (Walls 288).
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Symbol
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To further expand on your deep analysis of such an important symbol, it is essential to note of the significance that the fine line between commotion and structure held in the lives of the Walls children. Although they flew away from their nest at young ages to establish new lives in New York City, they were never truly able to bask in their success because they had the burden of a haunting childhood sitting on their shoulders. They come to realize that the memories of a lost childhood can never be replaced with even the most wonderful new life. This comes to show that it is not only the parents, but the Walls children, who will forever linger on the "border of turbulence and order".
ReplyDeleteI agree completely with Nicole, the Walls children have unfortunately found themselves caught in this "border of turbulence and order," because they have formulated so many of their world views in this own world. Rex almost creates this world for their family so that they may better understand the heartbreaking conditions they are suppressed to-conditions of poverty and alcoholism, for example. This idea they have created symbolizes not only their lives but their mindsets for Rex gave them an outlet, at explanation that at the time seemed reasonable, and now they let this idea dictate their lives. It is the excuse for failure, or heartbreak, almost as if such tragedy is their destiny and though at times they may avoid it, it will always be the dark shadow behind them.
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely debatable as to whether or not Rex Walls was a good father. You Kayla say that he "gave them and outlet," but with every piece of knowledge he gave to his kids, there is a memory of him showing up late at night drunk and forcing them all out of their home. Though I absolutely agree with you all, with that fine line of "border of turbulence and order," their parents should have stepped in and acted as these kids' caregivers. No child should have to experience life the way Jeannette and her siblings did, because they were forced to become the adults that their parents should have been for them. Aside from all of Walls' other heartbreaking memories, it seems that no matter where the Walls children traveled, this constant balancing act between turbulence and order followed them.
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