Rex vs. The Big Apple: A Tale of Terror and Tenderness
Rex Walls, the free-spirited, somewhat eccentric, and undeniably charming father from Jeannette Walls' The Glass Castle, was a man of many talents. Inventing grand schemes, telling captivating stories, and surviving on sheer willpower were just a few of his specialties. But when it came to his daughter Jeannette's dream of escaping their nomadic lifestyle for the bright lights of New York City, Rex's skills took a decidedly less glamorous turn.
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| How Does Rex Try To Stop Jeannette From Moving To Nyc |
The Great NYC Blockade
Let's be clear: Rex loved his kids. He really did. But the thought of Jeannette trading in their adventurous, if often chaotic, life for the concrete jungle filled him with a mix of fear and frustration. So, he did what any loving (and slightly manipulative) father would do: he tried everything in his power to stop her.
The Emotional Blackmail: "Jeannette, sweetie, who's going to take care of your old man when he's too weak to find worms? You're the only one who understands my brilliant mind. You can't just abandon me to a world of loneliness and tuna casseroles."
Tip: A slow skim is better than a rushed read.
The Guilt Trip: "Remember that time I saved you from that rabid raccoon with nothing but a butter knife? And how I taught you to build a fire with just a magnifying glass and some dry leaves? You owe me, kiddo."
The Fear Mongering: "New York City is a concrete jungle filled with rats, thieves, and people who wear pants on their heads. You'll be eaten alive!"
QuickTip: Pay close attention to transitions.
The Undercover Mission
When the emotional warfare proved ineffective, Rex decided to take a more direct approach. Disguised as a concerned citizen, he infiltrated the New York City Department of Sanitation. His mission? To uncover the city's darkest secrets and present them to Jeannette as irrefutable evidence that she should stay far, far away.
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Sadly for Rex, the only secrets he uncovered were the city's surprisingly efficient garbage disposal system and the fact that pizza delivery guys are the real heroes of our time.
QuickTip: Pause when something clicks.
The Final Stand
Defeated but not deterred, Rex made one last-ditch effort: he offered to move to New York with Jeannette. Picture this: Rex, the eternal wanderer, confined to a tiny apartment, surrounded by skyscrapers and the constant noise of traffic. It was a fate worse than death.
Luckily for Jeannette, and perhaps for the city of New York, she saw through her father's plan and politely declined his offer. And so, she packed her bags, said goodbye to her family (and secretly relieved her father), and embarked on a new adventure.
QuickTip: Stop to think as you go.
How to...
- How to survive a conversation with Rex: Listen attentively, nod frequently, and agree with everything he says. Just remember, he's probably lying.
- How to convince Jeannette to stay: Offer her a lifetime supply of her favorite food, a personal chef, and a private jet. Good luck!
- How to deal with a parent who doesn't want you to leave: Have an honest and open conversation about your dreams and aspirations. Be firm but respectful.
- How to move to New York City: Research neighborhoods, find a place to live, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!
- How to appreciate your parents, even when they're driving you crazy: Remember all the good times, and try to see things from their perspective.
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