Symbolism in The Glass Menagerie-

A detailed Summary of Symbolism in The Glass Menagerie-

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 als

One symbol which is rather obvious is Laura's glass menagerie.

number of them have diverse meanings. Most of these symbols have a

represent Laura handing over her broken love to Jim, as Jim has

transferring the payment of a light bill to pay for his dues in the

happen to Laura's glass affects Laura's emotional state greatly. When

Another symbol presented deals more with Tom than any of the

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

other characters: Tom's habit of going to the movies shows us his

accidentally breaks some of Laura's glass. The shattered glass

man." A person with no real outstanding quality. In fact, Jim is

is kept from entering reality by Amanda, who criticizes him as being a

represents Laura's understanding of Tom's responsibilities to her.

Approximate Word count = 739
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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