Essay Questions

Why is the character Lily significant in the novel Half-Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls?

Lily is the protagonist in the story, and the author uses her to build the themes of the strength of a woman, resilience, self-reliance, and technology among others. She is a young strong woman who goes against the traditions to prove that a woman can do better in society if given an opportunity. She struggles to attain education despite coming from a poor background. She is not discouraged by the gossips of her classmates from rich families who accuse her of wearing one dress all the time. She embraces technology and the hope that everyone will accept change for a better society. Jeannette Walls has taken her time in the novel to explain many concepts centered around Lily and that is why she develops various themes from her.

How does Jeannette Walls use the character Adam Casey/Dad to show the society’s attitudes towards the female gender?

Lily, Buster, and Helen are siblings but they do not get equal treatment. Their father prefers to educate Buster to a diploma level, unlike the girls. Adam Casey takes Buster to school at the age of ten but takes Lily to school when she is thirteen years old. Buster is younger than Lily and this explains how society considers male children as more important than girls. Similarly, whenever Adam Casey has difficulties in raising tuition fees, he asks Lily to drop out of school in favor of Buster. Adam is looking forward to educating Buster to a Diploma level but he has little regard for the daughters. The reader also realizes that inheritance is given to male children only. As a young girl, Lily is taking care of the family ranch knowing that it will be inherited by Buster.

How is the title Half-Broke Horses symbolic?

The title Half-Broke Horses is symbolically used to illustrate the ability of an individual to get out of the confines of society to pursue his or her dreams. For instance, Lily is a character who goes beyond the norms of society to attain her goals. She witnesses the bias nature of men against females in her own family. Buster is preferred more than Helen and her because their father wants to give him the best education so that he can inherit the ranch. However, Lily is determined and works hard to ensure that she attains her dreams. Rosemary and Rex are the other characters who do not want to live within the confines of societal regulations. They are inquisitive and encouraged by Lily not to look backward but pursue their goals.