The Glass Menagerie, by Tennessee Williams

Rough Draft

How do Characters of “The Glass Menagerie” deal with reality?

Tom ----Movies

Laura----Escape to an imaginary life

Amanda----Illusions of being a good old fashion southern belle

Outline

Introduction

Central Idea

The Characters

Tom

Laura Wingfield

Amanda

The characters and reality

Conclusion

Final Draft

Introduction

Tennessee Williams is one of America's best known playwrights. The Glass Menagerie was a big example of the necessity of a father figure during the 1930's. Back then a one-parent family was almost destined to fail do to the poor state of the economy and the stigma against single parents. If it wasn't for the father leaving, the family would be the same as all the others and the book wouldn't exist. The book was a look into the lives of some of the less fortunate people of the time period and how they dealt with their problems(McHugh 78-81).

Central Idea

 The main theme portrayed in this play is that of image against reality.  Amanda has a depiction of the world and of gentlemen callers but which is not a reality in the ghetto's of St. Louis.  Laura has her own make-believe reality.  Another viewpoint is that of escape.  Tom tries to escape, and ultimately does in the footsteps of his father (Fordyce 250-273).  Laura is not looking for as hard to escape as Tom, even though it would do her some good to run away her from world and Amanda's.  She comes close with Jim, but is overwhelmed and reverts back into her world, most likely deeper than she was before.

The Characters

The play "The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams shows the reality that most American families are not perfect. There are two main themes throughout the story. The themes are the difficulty of accepting reality and the impossibility of true escape. These themes are directly and indirectly symbolized throughout the story. The most important theme of "The Glass Menagerie" is the difficulty of accepting reality by the character throughout the story(McHugh 78-81).

Tom

Tom truly longs to escape from his life and leave for good. When he finally tells Amanda this. "I know I seem dreamy, but inside -- well, I'm boiling! Whenever I pick up a shoe, I shudder a little thinking how short life is and what I am doing! Whatever that means, I know it doesn't mean shoes -- except as something to wear on a traveler's feet!" (Williams 62). Just like his father he wants to leave everything behind and ...