FREE ESSAY ON THE GLASS MENAGERIE

THE GLASS MENAGERIE

The Glass Menagerie is by Tennessee Williams. Williams uses a lot of symbols in this play.
Many of the symbols
used in this play try to symbolize some form of escape or difference between reality and
illusion.
The first symbol isthe fire escape. This represents a bridge between the illusory world
of the Wingfields and a world of reality. This bridge seems to be a one way passage. For
Tom, the fire escape is a way out of the world of Amanda and Laura and an entrance into
the world of reality. Laura on the other hand, thinks the fire escape as a way in but not
a way out. This shows Laura fears greatly affect her physical condition more so than
normal people.
Another symbol deals more with Tom than any other character: Tom's habit of always going
to the movies to leave the apartment and head out into the world of reality. A place
where one can find adventure. 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 Seamans
Union.
One symbol which is rather obvious is Laura's Glass Menagerie. Her collection of glass
reprsents her own world. This is where she sets herself part from reality and where she
can hide and be safe in her own little world.
As you can see there are quite a few symbols in this play. And a number of them have a
lot of meanings. A lot or most of these symbols have a direct meaning in the authors
life. Its understandable sicne this is supposed to be a memory play. Its obvious to
readers that this play is based on the authors own memories