The Glass Castle [memoir by Jeannette Walls] Question?

Question

The first story Walls tells of her childhood is that of her burning herself severely at age three, and her father dramatically takes her from the hospital: "You're safe now" (p. 14). Why do you think she opens with that story, and how does it set the stage for the rest of the memoir?

Answer 1

I haven’t read this book, but these links may help you with your work.

http://www.pinkmonkey.com/booknotes/monk...

http://thebestnotes.com/booknotes/Glass_...

http://www.bookrags.com/studyguide-the-g...

Answer 2

I think the fact that she was cooking at age 3 shows that she is has to do things for herself and her parents are detached from reality and cannot be relied on. Its sets the stage because the entire book is about how she had to grow up fast to deal with the absurd she had.