In Jeannette Walls' "The Glass Castle," there is a significant moment when the narrator's mother inquires about her well-being. The narrator responds with a shrug and a nod, prompting the mother to assert that sexual assault is merely a matter of perception. She believes that if one does not feel hurt, then they are not truly affected by it, trivializing the experiences of many women who struggle with such trauma.

The mother's dismissive attitude reflects a broader societal tendency to downplay the seriousness of sexual assault. While she attempts to instill a sense of strength in her daughter, her comments reveal a lack of empathy and understanding of the complexities surrounding the issue. This interaction reveals the challenges faced by survivors and highlights the need for compassion and validation in dealing with such experiences.