The Glass Menagerie Research Paper

The Glass Menagerie St. Louis, Missouri, was not the brightest place to be, in 1937. The Glass Menagerie, helps understand the life during the Great Depression and the economical problems that occurs in both the novel and in real life. The Glass Menagerie divulges the standards that the population dreams to have. Laura Wingfield does not meet the standards and is affected severely, vanishing her faith. When most of Laura’s hope and faith were gone the broken unicorn came into action. The broken unicorn liberates Laura from her difficulties and signifies that perfect is not always better. That period of time is a difficult time to live in, but it was not impossible if someone had the faith and motivation guide them. In The Glass Menagerie the men set the standards relatively high for the women. The standards and superego is informed by which ladies could not live without a gentlemen caller. Laura who has a disability, is enlightened when she is with Jim, a gentleman caller. Laura thoroughly forgets about her disability whenever she is with Jim, as he can relate toward her differences. Jim enlightened Laura when he quotes, “In all respects- believe me! Your eyes- your hair- are pretty! [He catches hold of her hand.]” (Williams 88). Jim is clearly complementing Laura’s beauty as she is buoyant about his thoughtfulness. …show more content…
Laura Wingfield is a exceedingly shy, nervous, and sensitive woman despite the fact that she is in her mid twenties. She does not have a high ego or a husband to provide and care for her. Laura has a disability causing her to limp which lowers her self esteem, and loses confidence from it. Amanda, Laura’s mom, is constantly trying to avoid Laura thinking negative about her disability. Tennessee William signifies that Laura is often thinking negative about herself as Amanda keeps Laura motivated as she says, “...You’re not Crippled, you just have a little defect”