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.
Some common words found in the essay are:
Amanda Jim, Amanda Laura, Laura Jim, Williams Williams, Jim Jim, fire escape, Seaman's Union, Glass Menagerie-, world reality, laura jim, laura's glass, fire escape world, glass represents, symbols play, memory play, escape reality, jim represents, amanda laura,
Approximate Word count = 739
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
Category: English
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