In "The Glass Castle," Jeannette Walls recounts her unconventional upbringing in a dysfunctional family. Her parents, especially her father, were often unreliable, leading her to learn resilience and self-sufficiency at a young age. The quote about swimming reflects the necessity of adapting to one’s circumstances to survive and thrive, highlighting the theme of personal growth through adversity.

This metaphor of swimming signifies taking proactive steps when faced with challenges. Walls illustrates how, despite the chaos around her, she learned to navigate her struggles, ultimately finding strength and independence. The narrative emphasizes that in life, one must confront obstacles head-on to avoid being overwhelmed.