The Glass Menagerie
In The Glass Menagerie, Tennessee Williams creates a world in which the characters escape from the present situation. The characters, Laura, Amanda, and Tom Wingfield, achieve this by creating their own world in which they can escape to. Each world consists of an imaginary place where the feeling of security is present. These worlds are far away from reality. Laura's world consists of her glass collection and her victrola. According to Jim O'Conner, Laura's problem is she has an "Inferiority complex." (993) When a dilemma occurs, she retreats to her victrola and plays the old records that belonged to her father. This allows her to feel safe and secure. One example of this, is the time Amanda discovers that Laura has not been attending Rubicam's Business College. When Amanda confronts Laura about this, Laura "Crosses to the victrola and winds it up." (962) Another example happens after Jim tells Laura that he is engaged. When he is finished speaking, Laura winds up the victrola again. Laura feels the co
Due to the lack of adventure and control, Tom creates his own world of escape. He is unsatisfied with his job at the shoe warehouse. He goes to the washroom, at the warehouse, to write poetry when business is slow. Therefore, he finds adventure through watching movies and writing poetry. He is able to create and control his world through writing poetry. In addition to poetry, he fulfills the infatuation he has for adventure by going to the movies every night. Amanda questions Tom, "Why do you go to the movies so much?" Tom replies, "I go to the movies because I like adventure. Adventure is something I don't get much of at work, so I go to the movies." (970) Since Tom does not get much adventure he eventually leaves his family for the Merchant Marines. Joining the Merchant Marines will allow him to live out his dreams and adventures. On the other hand, he can not forget Laura, "I tried to leave you behind me, but I am more faithful than I intended to be!" (1001) Laura, Amanda, and Tom live in worlds far away from reality
Some common words found in the essay are:
Amanda Girlish, Laura Crosses, Amanda Tom, Laura's Inferiority, Tom Wingfield, Tennessee Williams, Blue Mountain, Tom Amanda's, Merchant Marines, Tragically Laura, glass ornaments, amanda tom, world consists, glass menagerie, own world escape, merchant marines, inferiority complex, writing poetry, modern world, own world, worlds reality, laura amanda tom, care glass ornaments,
Approximate Word count = 701
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
|
