The Glass Castle: Character

Blog #2: Character
Throughout the novel, Jeannette’s younger brother, Brian, did not pay an active role in the lives of their parents as Jeannette had. However, the few times when he did speak his comments gave off an angry and resentful tone. His tone produced a hostile attitude toward his parents, but his father, Rex Walls, in particular. This tone was most evident when he was responding to one of Rex’s signature questions, “Have I ever let you down?” After Rex was far enough away, so he would not here Brian’s comment, Brian would answer that question, truthfully, contrary to what both, Brian and Jeannette would normally say to Rex in response.
The narrator’s point of view of Brian is since their father does not feel compelled to be the “man” in the family, this causes Brian to feel he now has to take over because he is the only other man in the family. But he can never find the correct “groove” or opportunity or confidence to step up and be the “man” of the family.
Brian’s character develops throughout the novel through his short and terse responses to any and all of Rex’s questions addressed to him. And his murmured sarcastic comments that are said after his father had walked away. And the reluctance to believe that anything his father does or says he will do will last. For example, while living in Arizona, Rex brought home brand new bicycles for all of the children, and Brian was reluctant to even go near them because of his fear that they would either be stolen or sold for money to buy more alcohol for Rex’s drinking problem. Once again, after Rex’s signature question: “Have I ever let you down?” and Brian would mutter “Yes,” but only when his father would not hear him.
`Brian’s comment concerning his mistaken taste of his father’s bottle of alcohol, he commented “It’s the worst thing I’ve ever tasted in my life (113).” This shows that he not only thinks his dad is being ridiculous by drinking something so vile, but also hints that Brian will never let himself end up like his father because of the shame and disappointment that accompanies being the drunken father.