Welcome to CyberEssays Website

Glass Menagerie, The - Symbolism In The Play

    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 also
shows that Laura's fears and emotions greatly affect her physical
condition, more so than normal people.

    Another symbol presented deals more 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 he
is kept from entering reality by Amanda, who criticizes him as being a
"selfish dreamer." But, Tom has made steps to escape into reality by
transferring the payment of a light bill to pay for his dues in the
Merchant Seaman's Union.

    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...