Glass Menagerie

A detailed Summary of Glass Menagerie


In 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 or type of escape or the difference between reality and illusion. The first symbol, presented in the first scene, is the fire escape. This represents the "bridge" between the illusory worlds of the Wingfields and the world of reality. 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. 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. Another symbol pr!


e with Tom than any of the other characters: Tom's habit of going to the movies shows us his longing to leave the apartment and head out into the world of reality. A place where one can find adventure. And Tom, being a poet, can understand the needs of man to long for adventure and romance. But Amanda, who criticizes him as being a "selfish dreamer, keeps him from entering reality But, Tom has made steps to escape into reality by transferring the payment of a electric bill to pay for his dues in the Merchant Union dues. Another symbol, which deals with both Amanda and Laura, is Jim O'Connor. To Laura, Jim represents the one thing she fears and does not want to face, reality. Jim is a perfect example of "the common man." A person with no real outstanding quality. In fact, Jim is rather awkward,Which can be seen when he dances with Laura. To Amanda, Jim represents the days of her youth, when she went frolicking about picking jonquils and supposedly havin!

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Some common words found in the essay are:
Amanda Jim, Amanda Laura, Laura Jim, Williams Williams, Jim Jim, fire escape, Merchant Union, laura's glass, world reality, laura jim, fire escape world, symbols play, glass represents, amanda laura, memory play, jim represents, escape world, ,

Approximate Word count = 674
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Arts

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