The Glass Menageri Essay Example

evoke conflicting emotions of nostalgia, simulated joy, and contemplative gloom.

"The play evokes memory by being dimly lit and sentimental, as seen in Scene 1, p."

The setting outlined by Williams is described as dim and poetic in the stage directions, with subdued lighting contributing to a dusk-like atmosphere that enhances the nostalgic tone of the play. Throughout the performance, the lighting shifts in accordance with the emotional import of each scene, serving as a manifestation of memory rather than a representation of actual time. Williams also employs music as a means of accentuating significant moments and themes, and as a symbol for certain characters.

The theme music for Laura's character in The Glass Menagerie and the mournful 'Ave Maria' for Amanda, her longsuffering mother, were both created as symbols by the composer. Although in reality there are never such perfectly fitting soundtracks, the composer believes that everything in memory seems to happen to music.

In Scene 1 on page 235, music is used in The Glass Menagerie to create an atmosphere, ranging from dance hall jazz to a single fiddle or a scratchy victrola. Tennessee Williams employs symbolism throughout his play more for memory and stage technique than realism. This contrasts with reality, possibly leading to the ironic "Aha!" moment we often get when reflecting on a situation. Some theatre critics suggest that Williams's childhood memories inspired the play, freeing him from the need to use realistic conventions for credibility. Thus, he can utilize non-realistic staging and symbolism extensively without compromising the genuine nature of his work.

Tom explains that while a stage magician provides illusions that seem true, he offers the truth disguised as illusions.

(Scene 1,

p. 234) In my opinion, although the Menagerie may not be considered a realistic play in theatrical standards, it resonates with me more than any other play I have witnessed. The heart is more influential than the mind, and the play's production evokes an emotional response. The use of conventions to establish a genuine sense of memory is advantageous rather than harmful.

It is an undisguised convention in the play for Tom Wingfield to serve as the narrator, embodying both reality and memory. Tom assumes a role as a character in the play's memory while simultaneously reflecting on it from present reality.

The narrator provides an insightful commentary on the play's background while introducing the scenes. This play is primarily based on 'memory', as the story is told from Tom's (or rather, Tennessee Williams') memories, shaping our opinions about his family and situation. Tennessee William's plays are known for their intense biographical nature.

Thus, much of the content incorporated by Williams in both his other play and the Menagerie was essentially real. He utilized his own family and his childhood and youth experiences as a foundation for the plot. In fact, he even included himself as a symbolic figure, Tom Wingfield, in the Glass Menagerie. The characters comprising the Menagerie were a modified imitation of his family during the 1920s and 30s. Williams embodied himself in Tom Wingfield, who shared various similarities with the youthful Williams.

Both Tennessee and Tom (or Thomas Lanier) attempted to escape the harsh realities of city life. Tom did so by "going to the movies" (Scene 3, p. 252) and Tennessee immersed himself in the fantasy world of books. Tennessee's father, Cornelius

Coffin, was a traveling salesman for a shoe manufacturer, so he was also frequently absent - much like Amanda's husband in the Menagerie. Edwina Dakin, Tennessee's mother, hailed from a wealthy and prestigious southern family and had to adjust from being a spoiled southern belle to a submissive housewife married to an increasingly abusive husband - much like Amanda.

The mother of two children was extremely protective of them, viewing them as weak and requiring continual care. Although she loved and tended to her children diligently, her excessive anxiety and protective behavior led to many psychological issues in their later years. Similar to Amanda's character, she could sometimes be unintentionally harsh in her efforts to provide the best for her beloved offspring (Scene 5, p. 266). Williams had an older sister named Rose and a younger brother of whom little is known.

Tennessee Williams' plays reflect the significant influence of his sister, Rose. The family's relocation from the Deep South to St. Louis, Missouri was a challenging adjustment as they settled into a cramped and dreary urban apartment. This upheaval had a profound impact on all members of the family, especially Rose, who remained emotionally stuck in childhood.

Like Laura, she possessed introverted charm but lacked the skills to navigate reality. Fragile in personality and predisposed to mental instability, the harsh living environment of the city pushed her further into seclusion until she developed schizophrenia. Sadly, her condition worsened over time and their mother ultimately allowed doctors to perform a total frontal lobotomy – a decision that broke Williams' heart as he cherished his sister deeply.

Williams drew inspiration for The Glass Menagerie from his own

tumultuous family life, channeling many of his childhood experiences and memories into the play. Although reality was more disorderly than the play, Williams utilized it as a basis for the play's design.

The time and place that Williams grew up in, America's St. Louis during the 1930s, is described as quaint.

Tom's opening speech acknowledges the impact of the Great Depression on the middle class, whose lifestyle has been devastated by the economic crisis.

According to a quote from Scene 1 on page 234, there existed a significant American middle class described as those who "had their fingers pressed forcibly down on the fiery Braille alphabet of a failing economy" because either their eyes had failed them or they had failed to see the harsh realities of their economic situation. This poetic language suggests that the middle class was reluctant to face the gloomy prospects of not being able to recover their previous financial standing.

The play reflects the deterioration of living conditions and the resulting despair. Williams chose to place the play in a massive, run-down apartment complex described as a "hive-like conglomerate of individual living spaces."

During the Depression, the majority of the American lower and upper middle class lived in the Hoovervilles, as stated in the stage directions on page 233. Despite this hardship, Hollywood was thriving, with popular figures like Greta Garbo and Mickey Mouse, as noted in Scene 4 on page [insert page number here].

In the 1930s, cinema offered an escape from mundane life for the public. Tom, seeking excitement absent in his daily routine, turned to movies for "adventures". However, this decade was also marked by political turmoil as Hitler rose to

power and began re-arming Germany. Williams references these dangers in Scene 5, noting that "Adventure and Change were imminent in this year" due to Germany's hunger for conquest.

The scene depicts them hanging in the mists above Berchtesgarden, trapped in the embrace of Chamberlain's umbrella while the world awaited bombardments. Williams also frequently mentions the Spanish revolution, highlighting the contrast between Spain's Guernica and the chaotic shouting in this situation.

Williams points out in Stage Directions on page 233 that there is a fascinating connection between the middle class and the uprising, which he refers to as "the fundamentally enslaved sections of American society." The Spanish Civil War was fought by farmers and laborers from lower classes against wealthy oligarchs. Williams supported communist principles and advocated for workers' rights. Tom implies different labor uprisings in American cities but seems disappointed by their lack of success. Within The Menagerie, there is both historical background and social context influencing some characters' actions.

During the 1930s, societal norms significantly influenced daily life. The prevalent notion was that men were the principal providers for their families and accountable for supporting their wives and children. In situations where the father was absent, as in the Wingfield household, this responsibility fell on the eldest son. Amanda prompts Tom about his obligations before permitting him to depart by stating, "..

The fourth scene on page 61 illustrates that men were reluctant to leave their families unless they found a replacement. However, although leaving one's family was viewed negatively by society, many men still opted to do so because of the social superiority they held which granted them more liberty than women who were expected to conform

to conventional roles as homemakers and caretakers of the house.

In the past, women were responsible for household duties like cooking, cleaning, ironing, and looking after their families. While women gained the opportunity to work outside of home starting in the 1920s, their job choices and earning potential were limited compared to men. Amanda tries to persuade Laura to pursue a career as a typist or secretary since it was deemed suitable for women due to its minimal physical demands and conventional feminine attributes.

Back then, it was almost impossible for women to progress beyond being a secretary or factory overseer (which were exclusively female positions). Their choices were limited to being a homemaker or working outside the home; any other alternatives would have branded them as undesirable spinsters who were barely tolerated.

In Scene 2, page 245 of "Glass Menagerie," the characters are seen to have grown up with the values of humility. This background sets the social and historical context for the play. It explains why certain characters, such as Amanda and Tom, behave in particular ways, and gives Williams the chance to offer insightful observations about American society during that era.

Tennessee William's play, The Glass Menagerie, is a memory play that utilizes a narrator, lighting and music, and extensive symbolism to evoke a nostalgic feeling that speaks to the heart. These elements are indicative of memory rather than reality. Nonetheless, it is important to note that memory can not be conjured from nothing.

The Glass Menagerie represents the process or ability to recall a past incident, which was once reality. This is firmly based on William's own family and childhood experiences, as he drew on these

to create the characters and plot of the play. The characters themselves are embodiments of Williams, his mother, father and sister. The action is set in a specific period of history, with references to events such as the Spanish Civil War and the looming threat of World War II. Despite trying to escape or forget them, the characters act within specific social expectations and stereotypes. It is difficult to determine the exact degree to which the Glass Menagerie represents memory or reality, as it deals with words and emotions rather than numbers.

Although a significant presence of memory and reality can be detected in the play, they work in tandem to produce a captivating work of art by the skillful playwright. While memory exerts greater influence and leaves an indelible impact on its audience, reality lends support and forms the basis of this memory. As a result, the two components collaborate seamlessly in creating an intricate and impressive masterpiece.