Tennessee Williams’ main concern is to show that in this world escape is impossible Essay Example

no alternative for escape. This scene mirrors the reality of America at the time of the play's creation. The Depression was marked by feelings of destruction and collapse caused by falling stock market prices. This is reminiscent of Laura's escape through her collection of glass figurines in 'The Glass Menagerie.' As her collection shatters, so does Laura.

Throughout the story, Williams incorporates personal reflection into the character of Tom. Drawing on his own experience working in a shoe factory, he creates a main character that is based on himself. Scene 4 provides additional insight into Tom's character, as he discusses his love of movies with Laura. Specifically, he recounts the details of a stage show featuring Malvolio the Magician and is particularly fascinated by the trick where the magician escapes from a locked coffin without removing any nails.

Tom's character links the man's unnoticed 'escape' from the coffin to his father's departure, which may seem insignificant but is actually a defining aspect of the Wingfield home. The escape that Tom resents most from his father is ultimately what he manages to achieve. This irony is highlighted by the coffin trick, which Tom witnesses after escaping the apartment to see a show. The nailed in coffin serves as a reminder that Tom is trapped in his own life. The fire escape remains a crucial symbol.

Tom stands to smoke at the entrance to their apartment, which also serves as the fire escape he uses towards the end of 'The Glass Menagerie' when he speaks in soliloquy following an argument with Amanda. This marks Tom's final exit as he follows in his father's footsteps. As a 'memory play', smoking is

a symbolic representation of Tom's character in my opinion.

The stage direction creates a sentimental and dreamy atmosphere, which reflects the character's unclear memories. The description implies that the setting is dimly lighted.

In scene 4, Laura's slip on the fire escape causes a brief disturbance in the apartment. Some critics interpret this incident as a manifestation of her insecurity and inability to navigate the outside world independently. Alternatively, some suggest it symbolizes her inability to overcome the pleurosis disease she contracted in childhood.

Amanda displays her tendency to escape into her own safe world throughout the story. She keeps Laura's disability hidden and remains optimistic about her future when arranging suitors for her. However, Tom attempts to make Amanda understand Laura's unique limitations. In scene 5, as Amanda tries to convince Tom to arrange for Jim to visit Laura, she tells him not to use the word "crippled."

"However, let's be realistic, Mother. Laura has a tendency to flee when she feels endangered. This involves turning to her sickness as a way of coping with her fear of others. "I'm not well!" It's possible that Laura perceives her emotions as being ignored, and pretending to be sick could be a means of obtaining the attention she craves."

Laura struggles with facing reality and often turns to the victrola for comfort. Her glass menagerie serves as a prominent symbol of her escapism and isolation due to her shyness and lack of confidence caused by her disability. The fantasy world of glass animals intensifies her detachment from reality. When the glass ornaments are broken, it causes a significant emotional shift in Laura.

As Tom departs during scene

7, he breaks a glass and Laura reacts by shrieking. This outburst reveals her vulnerability when faced with the breaking of fragile objects, possibly triggering memories of her unicorn's horn being shattered, causing her world to crumble.

Laura devotes significant time to exhibiting her glass animal collection to the audience, indicating her desire for increased attention. In reference to Jim's act of breaking the unicorn's horn, Laura offers him the ornament as a memento, symbolizing her release from the excessive protectiveness of her collection. This gesture also serves as an invitation to Jim to enter her dream world and escape his own reality. Despite Tom's departure to join the Merchant Navy at the play's conclusion, reminders of Laura persist, making it impossible for him to entirely detach himself from her presence.

As I walk past the illuminated window of a store, I catch a glimpse of multi-colored glass objects.

Tom is reminded of Laura and her glass menagerie when looking at shop windows. The majority of the characters in the play are unable to fully escape from their microcosm, the Wingfield apartment, and the real world. Mr Wingfield has successfully escaped while the rest continue to struggle. Jim also attempts to escape, but only minimally as he is engaged to Betty. Even when Tom physically leaves the apartment, he remains mentally trapped and unable to pursue a life of adventure due to his thoughts of Laura.