The Glass Castle Socratic Seminar

Base Question:

Given Rex Wall’s back story, is he a sympathetic character?

Answer:

- Beginning of the book I was very judgmental; couldn’t understand why he wasn’t a more responsible parent.

- Once I “met” his family in Welch, I began to sympathize with him; Erma was a drinker and hard woman who influenced Rex’s parenting.

- But, why would he put his kids in the same situation that he endured?

- Doesn’t stand up to Erma or support Brian after the kids tell him about the molestation

Quote & Explanation:

- “Don’t call me Grandma. My name’s Erma.”

- After Erma molested Brian, she told Rex, “Brian’s a man, he can take it.”

Connection:

-The father in the show “Shameless” was abandoned by his wife to take care of their five children. Instead of “manning up” and taking on a fatherly role, he spends all their money and booze and the kids fend for themselves.

Closure:

- Ultimately Rex was abused as a child and had bad parents, but as an adult he should have realized this and set a better example. He had every opportunity to provide a good life for his kids, but instead he repeated history.