Imitation In The Glass Castle

Curiosity and uncertainty are known to fill the lives of children. From infancy, children notoriously imitate the actions they see, whether good or bad. Although idiosyncratic, Imitation is the basis for all humanly behaviors in the present and future. In The Glass Castle, imitation is very prevalent in the Walls family. Human beings are prone to repeat the actions of their elders, but childhood misdoing is not necessary.
Baldwin’s observation represents the monumental task of trying to define yourself, but failing. However, his assumption is not completely correct. He also believes that children are incapable of obedience. In The Glass Castle, the children do everything they can to help their family, including avoiding misbehavior. When faced with the option to misbehave, they all chose to act responsibly. The only time they do not listen to their elders’ wishes is for the betterment of the family as a whole, or because the wishes are ignorant, such as refusing to avoid the colored community, helping hide money from their alcoholic father, and refusing to pay an exorbitant amount of …show more content…
Rex’s mother, Erma, was a woman who had lived a hard life. She tried to escape her decades of torment through drinking, but that only allowed her to become reckless, which likely lead to abuse for Rex. Her alcoholism drove her to do many detestable things that she might not have otherwise considered if she was sober. Similarly, Rex, when he revisited Welch after years of trying to run away, found himself in the same position. He joined the Air Force in search of a better life and financial prosperity, but it all ended up back in Welch. Rex was reluctant to bring his children to Welch with the fear that Erma could abuse them too. Constantly, Rex was intoxicated and aggressive because of it. Albeit he followed in his mother’s footsteps, fortunately, his children did