Symbolism In The Glass Menagerie Term paper

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The play The Glass Menagerie, by Tennessee Williams, Williams

uses many symbols which represent many different things. Many of the

symbols used in the play try to symbolize some form of escape or

difference between reality and illusion.


The first symbol, presented in the first scene, is the fire

escape. This represents the "bridge" between the illusory world of the

Wingfields and the world of reality. This "bridge" seems to be a one

way passage. But the direction varies for each character. For Tom, the

fire escape is the way out of the world of Amanda and Laura and an

entrance into the world of reality. For Laura, the fire escape is a

way into her world. A way to escape from reality. Both examples can

readily be seen: Tom will stand outside on the fire escape to smoke,

showing that he does not like to be inside, to be a part of the

illusionary world. Laura, on the other hand, thinks of the fire escape

as a way in and not a way out. This can be seen when Amanda sends

Laura to go to the store: Laura trips on the fire escape. This also

shows that Laura's fears and emotions greatly affect her physical

condition, more so than normal people.


Another symbol presented deals more with Tom than any of the

other characters: Tom's habit of going to the movies shows us his

longing to leave the apartment and head out into the world of reality.

A place where one can find adventure. And Tom, being a poet, can

understand the needs of man to long for adventure and romance. But he

is kept from entering reality by Amanda, who criticizes him as being a

"selfish dreamer." 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 Seaman's Union.


Another symbol, which deals with both Amanda and Laura, is Jim

O'Connor. To Laura, Jim represents the one thing she fears and does

not want to face, reality. Jim is a perfect example of "the common

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