“The Glass Menagerie” by Tennessee Williams is an example of a classic tragedy. However, the characters in the drama do not encounter death. The characters encounter family instability, abandonment, and resentment. The title of this drama accurately represents these characters. Amanda, the mother of family, refers to her daughter Laura’s collection of glass figurines as a glass menagerie. This means her collection acts as a glass zoo filled with animal figurines. Yet, “The Glass Menagerie” could also mean a collection of diverse glass people. This definition would accurately describe the unusual and fragile characters this drama displays. The playwright’s unique view on the human condition is displayed through unique characters, symbolism, themes, soliloquy, aside, setting, and conflict.
Furthermore, “The Glass Menagerie” showcases the distinctive character of Tom Wingfield. The title of the play applies to his character because he is unique man with a passion for poetry and adventure stuck with the responsibility of a family. This responsibility makes him fragile because even after leaving …show more content…
The character of Tom suggests that even a good person struggles to balance their selfish desires and their responsibility for their family. Tom loves his family and does his best to support them. He even claimed in Act 3 that he would rather have his head bashed in than go to work in the morning. Yet, he goes to work each morning and pays the bills. Nonetheless, he reveals to Jim O’Connor in Scene 6 that he paid his Union of Merchant Seamen dues over the electric bill. The playwright also seems to value art. Siroha observes that “Tom and Laura seek some meaning in art” (52). Laura arranges her glass animals like an artist arranging a sculpture. Tom seeks writing out after a long day of work. Art is a reoccurring theme that acts as an escape for both Tom and
Furthermore, “The Glass Menagerie” showcases the distinctive character of Tom Wingfield. The title of the play applies to his character because he is unique man with a passion for poetry and adventure stuck with the responsibility of a family. This responsibility makes him fragile because even after leaving …show more content…
The character of Tom suggests that even a good person struggles to balance their selfish desires and their responsibility for their family. Tom loves his family and does his best to support them. He even claimed in Act 3 that he would rather have his head bashed in than go to work in the morning. Yet, he goes to work each morning and pays the bills. Nonetheless, he reveals to Jim O’Connor in Scene 6 that he paid his Union of Merchant Seamen dues over the electric bill. The playwright also seems to value art. Siroha observes that “Tom and Laura seek some meaning in art” (52). Laura arranges her glass animals like an artist arranging a sculpture. Tom seeks writing out after a long day of work. Art is a reoccurring theme that acts as an escape for both Tom and