Glass Menagerie What Was the Essay

Tom states that the events are based on a "working memory" thus suggesting that aspects of the story are exaggerated. Williams works to point out that the story will not follow the conventions of conventional theatre which is evident in the narrator addressing the audience directly.

3. Describe the contrast between Amanda's perception of the night Jim comes to visit, and Laura's perception of the same evening. What does this tell us about the relationship between Amanda and her children, and about Laura's future?

Amanda accuses Tom of playing something of a practical joke on her and Laura. Her dreams for her daughter were shattered after they had prepared both physically and mentally for the diner. The diner was expensive for the family and ended in disaster. While Amanda's reaction was one of anger, Laura's could be better described by desolation. The glass unicorn shattered which represents how Jim's presence "broke" both of them. While Jim tries to ensure Laura that he had no memories of her brace from school, Laura's memories of the events exhibit a significant level of self-consciousness.It may have been the case that Jim was trying to build up Laura's confidence by sharing his memories and by telling her she was beautiful, however even if this was the intention it ended in disaster. Both Amanda and Laura were devastated by the evening; though in different ways.

4. Discuss the title of the play. It has both a literal and symbolic meaning. What are they?

Laura's collection of glass represents her own private world where she can hide and be safe. The events that unfold in the story have implications for Laura's emotional state and she frequently goes into her imaginary world. When Laura hears Amanda walk up the fire escape, she quickly hides the collection of glass. Therefore the glass collection represents a hidden escape from the trappings of reality and what it meant to live within the culture portrayed in the story. The glass unicorn is a clear symbol for Laura; Jim, who represents the "American Dream" ultimately breaks….....