... the fire escape and the way Tom escapes from his problems, the glass figurines and Laura's life, and the unicorn and her self-image. These create a higher level on which the play must be examined. Without comprehension of William's use of symbolism, one could never have a proper understanding of the theme of the play and how the theme develops. These symbols give an insight and understanding of the life of the Wingfields. The ... reality, so she constantly was within her own illusions. Laura was unique in this way, similar to the unicorn. The unicorn was different because of the point o...

• Word Count: 803
• Approx Pages: 3
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... The Glass Menagerie is mainly about the spiritual paralysis of human beings as the result of the depressive atmosphere of the society, breakdown of family institution and lack of understanding among even the most intimate persons; that is, the members of a family. In the 1939 letter to his editor, Audrey Wood, Williams states, "I have only one major theme for my work which is the destructive impact of society on the ... true communication. Consequently, the play can be seen as "the defeat of the romantic imagination in a modern world inimical to transcendent ideal and aspiration" (Thompso...

• Word Count: 3081
• Approx Pages: 12
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

Illusion versus Reality in The Glass Menagerie How well a reader can identify with a piece of literature depends on his ability to associate with the ideas and characters presented to him. Williams "Glass Menagerie" provides many means in which the reader may identify with the work. Relating to the reader is necessary to grasp what the author is trying to express. One way in which a reader may relate to this piece ... . One can establish this very quickly in the characters, In fact, the first paragraph of the play describes the illusions to take place, "But I am the opposite of a stage musicia...

• Word Count: 1744
• Approx Pages: 7
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... the memory play The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams, a man named Tom recounts his memory of his sister, Laura and his mother, Amanda. According to Tom, Amanda lives in the past, striving to find suitors for Laura, and Laura is all too consumed with her glass collection, while Tom works to support the three of them. Tom desires freedom from the ... his dad. Later in the play, Amanda and Tom get into an argument concerning Tom's constant absence from the house. She argues, "Oh I can see the handwriting on the wall as plain as I see the nose in front of my face! It's terrifying! More ...

• Word Count: 1672
• Approx Pages: 7
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School