Glass

A detailed Summary of Glass

The play The Glass Menagerie, by Tennessee Williams, Williams

uses many symbols which represent many different things. Many of the

symbols used in the play try to symbolize some form of escape or

difference between reality and illusion.

The first symbol, presented in the first scene, is the fire

escape. This represents the "bridge" between the illusory world of the

Wingfields and the world of reality. This "bridge" seems to be a one

way passage. But the direction varies for each character. For Tom, the

fire escape is the way out of the world of Amanda and Laura and an

entrance into the world of reality. For Laura, the fire escape is a

way into her world. A way to escape from reality. Both examples can

readily be seen: Tom will stand outside on the fire escape to smoke,

showing that he does not like to be inside, to be a part of the

illusionary world. Laura, on the other hand, thinks of the fire escape

as a way in and not a way out. This can be seen when Amanda sends

Laura to go to the store: Laura trips on the fire escape. This al

rather awkward, which can be seen when he dances with Laura. To

the horn off the unicorn, Laura points out that now it is like the

Her collection of glass represents her own private world. Set apart

hides her collection. She does this to hide her secret world from the

Laura points out to Jim that the unicorn is different, just as she is

Also, the unicorn, which is important, represents Laura directly.

not want to face, reality. Jim is a perfect example of "the common

wanted a gentleman caller to be invited for Laura or for herself.

Approximate Word count = 723
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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