The effect of symbolism on character in The Glass Menagerie

A detailed Summary of The effect of symbolism on character in The Glass Menagerie

Symbolism is a major aspect in Tennessee William's famous play, "The Glass Menagerie." On the surface, the short slice of life story seems to be simple. However, if the reader digs deeper they will find that there are several symbols that give each character a deeper meaning. Each character defines each symbol in a different way. Aside from character symbols, there is overall symbolism in this play. It is set in a memory, so it creates a soft, dream-like setting. This lends to the whole idea behind the play that the characters are unable to function in reality.

There are some very noticeable symbols in "The Glass Menagerie." The first is the actual glass menagerie that represents the fragility of the Wingfield's dreamlike existence. The second is the fire escape, which reflects each character's tendency to escape from reality in their own ways. The third is the yellow dress, which represents youth and the past. The gentleman caller, Jim O'Connor, represents change and also hopes for the future, as well as a reflection of Amanda's past. Tom also has his own symbols of escape. He uses his poetry and the movies to run from his problems at home.

The actual animal collection, or glass menagerie, symbolizes each charac

animals because her family is like them. It will not take much, like Tom leaving, to shatter their whole world.

Laura uses the fire escape as a symbol in a similar way. She, too, is protected from the outside world by the fire escape, and she is also limited by it because of her handicap. It will require an extra effort for Laura to overcome her limp and get out into the world using the fire escape, symbolizing how her life is more difficult because of her handicap and her delusional mother.

The fire escape is a major symbol in this play. It represents a different symbol for each character. For Amanda, the fire escape is a way for her to be protected from the outside world, or reality. She cannot live in the present, and the lack of a front door makes it easy for her to avoid real life. She convinces herself that she isn't capable of leaving the safe haven she has created by locking herself inside the strange apartment. She has become trapped by her memories.

Jim O'Connor is the famed and hoped for gentleman caller that Amanda has been airily talking about this entire play. He represents the hopes and dreams of Amanda, that someone will be able to rescue her daughter from her crippling shyness, and be able to give her a better life then she is living right now. To Laura, Jim represents a chance for love that she had previously written off as a dream. Jim gets her to open up and feel like

The many symbols in "The Glass Menagerie" define each character and their motive. Although they are subtle, the reader chooses which to identify and and which piece to place in the puzzle.

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1618
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English