There are several symbols in The Glass Castle, all with various meanings, including but not limited to, a bike, a newspaper, and a star.  There is also an allusion to go along with the piggy bank Oz. A bike represents hope for a successful future, and when they have to leave their bikes behind, that is the hope fading away. The newspaper symbolizes Jeannette's maturity and independence. She wants to see what is going on in the world and learns the truth from the newspaper. It makes her drift towards success, where she also learns to be independent and to not rely on others. Rex gives the children stars as a present, symbolizing his love that he has for them. Also, stars are constantly in the sky, representing continuous hope. The allusion is the piggy bank Oz, referencing it from The Wizard of Oz. In The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy goes to Emerald City in search of hope, thinking it is the only place that can help her. Jeannette and Lori want to go to New York because they believe that is the only place that can help them develop a better life. They want to go somewhere away from their parents to create a life ahead of them. Symbols are found everywhere, including in almost every part of The Glass Castle.


Song:

Rascal Flatts - Life is a highway
Lyrics: "Life is a highway I wanna ride it all night long"