What does the glass castle symbolize?

The Glass Castle symbolizes many things. It contrasts the Walls family’s reality and serves as a metaphor for childhood fantasies. It also represents the changing dynamic of Jeannette’s relationship with her father. After a long time of living with her father, Jeannette realized that she had been made to live a lie by an alcoholic father. Ultimately, she broke free from her abusive relationship. Jeanette Walls’ childhood was filled with hardships. She grew up in a home that lacked food and hygiene. Her parents did not have a stable job. Her younger siblings were left to fend for themselves and her father was a chronic alcoholic. Despite her adversities, she was determined to live the life she’d always dreamed of. While Jeannette’s Glass Castle represents her family’s future, the Glass Castle also represents the broken promises she made to her father. In this case, the Glass Castle represents the family’s hopes, which Jeannette must let go of. It is also a metaphor for the hope Jeannette holds for her father and her own independence. Fire is another powerful symbol in The Glass Castle. It recurs in the story several times, inspiring Jeannette’s first memory. She had a terrifying experience with fire when she was three years old. She later develops a fascination with fire. She burns herself severely while cooking hot dogs, and tortures fire by burning paper and flushing it down the toilet. She also wonders if fire is out to get her. Moreover, fire is associated with man-made chaos, which also corresponds with pollution.