1. Pride and Self-Reliance:
Rex and Rose Mary deeply value their independence and self-reliance. They believe that relying on government assistance or accepting handouts from others is a form of weakness. They take pride in providing for themselves, even if it means living in poverty or instability.
2. Nonconformity:
Rex and Rose Mary are both free-spirited individuals who resist societal norms and conventional expectations. They feel a sense of pride in living on their own terms and not conforming to the mainstream culture of relying on welfare or charity.
3. Distrust of Institutions:
The Walls have a general distrust of institutions and authority figures, including government agencies and charitable organizations. They believe that these systems can be bureaucratic, impersonal, and demeaning. They prefer to trust in themselves and their abilities rather than relying on external help.
4. Countercultural Beliefs:
Rex and Rose Mary have unconventional views and hold countercultural beliefs. They believe that living in poverty allows them to experience life more authentically and freely, without the constraints and materialism of society. They see welfare and charity as symbols of conformity.
5. Desire for Autonomy:
Rex and Rose Mary value their freedom to make their own decisions and live life on their own terms. They resist any form of external control or dependence that they associate with welfare or government assistance.
6. Personal Values:
The Walls have strong personal values that shape their decisions. Rex believes in hard work and self-sufficiency, while Rose Mary emphasizes creativity and the pursuit of her artistic passions. These values clash with the idea of accepting handouts from others.
7. Fear of Losing Control:
Rex and Rose Mary fear that accepting welfare or charity would mean giving up control over their lives. They believe that it would make them beholden to others and compromise their independence.
It's important to note that these reasons do not justify or glorify the Walls' neglectful parenting or the challenges faced by their children due to their lifestyle. The book portrays the complexities and consequences of their choices while highlighting the resilience of the Walls children in overcoming adversity.