Parental Sins in Jeannette Walls’ *The Glass Castle*

Introduction

Jeannette Walls’ memoir, The Glass Castle, offers a poignant exploration of her tumultuous childhood, masterfully illustrating the impact of her parents' choices on her upbringing. At the heart of this narrative lies the theme of the seven deadly sins, which manifest through the actions and personalities of Walls' parents. In this essay, we will delve into how the sins of sloth, gluttony, and greed are vividly portrayed through the behaviors of Rose Mary and Rex Walls. By examining these examples, we aim to understand how these sins contribute to the dysfunction within the Walls family and shape Jeannette's formative years.

Sloth in Parenting

Rose Mary Walls, Jeannette's mother, is an embodiment of the sin of sloth, often prioritizing her artistic pursuits over her children's basic needs. A striking example of this is when a three-year-old Jeannette is left to cook hot dogs by herself, resulting in a severe burn. Despite this alarming incident, Rose Mary continues painting instead of ensuring her daughter's safety and nourishment. This negligence is not an isolated incident but a recurring pattern that underscores Rose Mary's tendency to choose convenience over responsibility. This neglectful behavior not only highlights her sloth but also paints a broader picture of her disengagement from parental duties. By focusing on her paintings at the expense of her children's welfare, Rose Mary demonstrates how sloth can manifest as a lack of initiative in fulfilling parental obligations, ultimately leaving her children to fend for themselves in precarious situations.

Gluttony and Alcoholism

Rex Walls, Jeannette's father, vividly illustrates the sin of gluttony through his chronic alcoholism. His dependence on alcohol is a recurring theme in the memoir, often leading to volatility and aggression. While Rex is described as a kind and imaginative man when sober, his personality shifts dramatically under the influence of alcohol. Jeannette recounts moments when her father transforms into an "angry-eyed stranger" (Walls 23), threatening violence and upheaval within the household. This gluttony for alcohol not only endangers the family's physical safety but also erodes the emotional bonds that could otherwise offer stability. Moreover, Rex's inability to prioritize his family's well-being over his addiction is evident when Jeannette requests that he quit drinking as a birthday present to her. Despite his initial attempts, Rex's relapse underscores the overpowering nature of his vice. This gluttony extends beyond a simple craving for alcohol; it represents a profound inability to control desires, which consequently exacerbates the family's hardships and perpetuates a cycle of dysfunction.

Greed and Hoarding

The sin of greed is poignantly depicted through Rose Mary's selfishness in hoarding food while her children suffer from hunger. In one particularly revealing scene, Jeannette and her siblings shiver in a cold house, trying to ignore their hunger pangs, only to discover their mother hiding a large Hershey's chocolate bar. Rose Mary's decision to consume the chocolate in secret, while her children go hungry, exemplifies her greed and self-centeredness. She attempts to justify her actions by likening her sugar addiction to Rex's alcoholism, suggesting that she deserves the same leniency. However, this rationalization only serves to highlight her unwillingness to place her children's needs above her own desires. By exploring Rose Mary's greed, Walls provides a critical lens on how selfishness can manifest within a family dynamic, ultimately contributing to the emotional and physical deprivation experienced by the children.

Conclusion

In The Glass Castle, Jeannette Walls provides a compelling narrative that highlights the pervasive influence of the seven deadly sins within her family. Through the sins of sloth, gluttony, and greed, Rose Mary and Rex Walls create an environment fraught with neglect, instability, and emotional turmoil. These sins are not mere character flaws but are pivotal forces shaping the Walls children's upbringing and their struggle for survival. By examining these themes, Walls invites readers to reflect on the profound impact of parental choices and the resilience required to overcome such adversity. Ultimately, the memoir serves as both a cautionary tale and an inspiring testament to the human spirit's capacity to endure and transcend hardship.

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