In "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls, the scene captures a moment of tension as a wind shakes the environment, causing windows to rattle and candle flames to flicker. This imagery illustrates a struggle between chaos and stability, highlighting how quickly circumstances can shift around the characters. The contrasting elements of turbulence and order symbolize the unpredictability of life, especially within Walls' tumultuous upbringing.

This moment reflects the overarching themes of the memoir, where Walls navigates her challenging experiences and the instability of her family life. The dance of the candle flames represents her attempt to maintain a sense of control amidst the external chaos, echoing the complexities of her journey towards resilience and self-discovery.