In Jeannette Walls’ memoir, The Glass Castle, the blue goose is a symbol of her family’s unconventional lifestyle and resilience. The blue goose refers to the strikingly painted, whimsical sculpture that her father, Rex Walls, creates for the family. This artwork represents his creativity and his ability to find beauty in things, despite their challenging circumstances.
The blue goose also serves as a reminder of the warmth and joy that can exist even amidst chaos and poverty. It embodies Rex’s dreams and aspirations for his family, as well as the fleeting moments of happiness that Jeannette and her siblings experience in their tumultuous upbringing. The significance of the blue goose lies in its dual role: it highlights both Rex’s artistic spirit and the complicated nature of their family life, capturing the essence of how beauty can emerge from hardship.