The Glass Castle

The Glass Castle

Year: 2017

Runtime: 127 min

Language: English

Director: Destin Cretton

BiographyDrama

Growing up wasn’t easy for Jeannette Walls and her three siblings. Their eccentric and unconventional parents, full of big dreams but lacking stability, led a nomadic existence, constantly moving and often struggling to provide for their children. Despite the poverty and instability, Jeannette and her family find moments of joy and inspiration, learning valuable lessons about resilience and the power of imagination. As they grow older, the children are forced to confront the difficult truths about their parents and ultimately forge their own paths toward independence and self-discovery.

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Timeline – The Glass Castle (2017)

Trace every key event in The Glass Castle (2017) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Jeannette's Early Years

Jeannette Walls grows up in a peripatetic lifestyle, moving frequently with her artistic mother, Rose, her reckless father, Rex, her sister, Lori, and her younger brother, Brian. Their unconventional lifestyle shapes Jeannette's childhood, filled with both adventure and instability.

2

The Cooking Accident

While trying to cook alone one day, Jeannette suffers severe burns, leading to a hospital stay. Concerns from a doctor and social worker about her home life arise, but Rex cleverly distracts them and sneaks Jeannette away to continue their transient life.

Hospital
3

Dreams of the Glass Castle

The family sets off again with Rex's whimsical dream of building a glass castle, igniting Jeannette's imagination. Despite the instability of their home life, Jeannette remains captivated by her father's ambitious visions for the future.

4

Living in Utah

The Walls family finally settles in a rundown house in Utah after various transient living situations. Here, Jeannette faces a harrowing experience when Rex drunkenly attempts to teach her how to swim, nearly drowning her in the process.

Utah
5

On the Run to Welch

After an altercation where Rex assaults a lifeguard, the family finds themselves fleeing to Welch, West Virginia. Upon arrival, the children meet their grandparents and uncle, Stanley, but face the harsh realities of living in extreme deprivation.

Welch, West Virginia
6

Extreme Deprivation

Living in a dilapidated home deep in the woods, the Walls family struggles with basic necessities. In a moment of poor judgment, Rex spends their last money on alcohol instead of food, causing further hardships for the family.

Welch, West Virginia
7

Rex's Detox Attempt

After tending to Rex's injuries from a drunken binge, Jeannette pleads with him to quit drinking. Rex, determined to detox, ties himself to his bed, and against all odds, he manages to secure a construction job, bringing a rare moment of joy to the family at Christmas.

Welch, West Virginia
8

Trauma Resurfaces

While Rose and Rex are away in Texas for a family funeral, the children's old traumas return when Brian is victimized by Irma. Lori and Jeannette spring into action to protect Brian, but their efforts are thwarted by their uncle Stanley, showcasing the complex family dynamics.

Welch, West Virginia
9

Jeannette's Maturation

As Jeannette grows older, she develops a passion for journalism, which leads her towards financial independence. This newfound freedom creates tensions with Rex, especially as the siblings work together to support Lori's move to New York City.

New York City
10

Family Conflicts

During a funeral visit, Jeannette is coerced into one of Rex’s schemes that results in a near-assault by Robbie, a friend of Rex's. Discovering that Rex has stolen her savings drives Jeannette to flee, affirming her desire to break free from her family's chaos.

11

College Struggles

In college in New York City, Jeannette faces significant financial challenges. Despite this, she is unexpectedly uplifted by a visit from Rex, who arrives with gambling winnings and grand yet unrealistic plans for her future, complicating her feelings towards him.

New York City
12

Confronting Reality

By 1989, Jeannette has become a gossip columnist for New York Magazine and is engaged to David, a financial analyst. However, during a dinner with David’s client, she fabricates stories about her family, only to later confront the harsh reality of their homeless plight.

1989
13

Fractured Family Ties

Tensions escalate during a family visit when the drunken antics of Rex and David lead to a violent confrontation. Jeannette feels increasingly burdened by her family's chaotic past as her siblings’ lives take divergent paths.

14

Decision to Cut Ties

At her engagement party, Jeannette uncovers that her family possesses potentially valuable land but has never acted on it, leading to her outrage. This revelation prompts her to sever ties with Rex, just before he nears his end.

15

Reconciliation Before Loss

Despite initially resisting a reunion after hearing about Rex’s terminal condition, Jeannette finds the courage to confront her painful past. Their emotional reconciliation occurs before Rex's passing, providing her the closure she needs.

16

New Traditions

Years later, Jeannette, now a freelance writer, establishes a new Thanksgiving tradition with her siblings. This gathering serves as a moment to reflect on their father's idiosyncratic legacy and the impact it has had on their lives.

Last Updated: October 27, 2024 at 23:20

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The Glass Castle Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Glass Castle

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Glass Castle

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