The Glass Menagerie Symbolism Essay

Every piece of writing has deeper meaning than that of the literal words written on the page. In essence, an author is an artist, creating a beautiful story full of vivid detail that serves a greater purpose than that of just storytelling. In Tennessee Williams’s novel, The Glass Menagerie, Williams tells a story of a single parent family, in which each member battles their own distinct internal struggles. Tom, the protagonist and main provider for the household, wishes to leave and venture off on his own but worries about the financial burden this decision will leave for his family. Similarly, Tom’s younger sister, Laura, struggles with acceptance and finding a place of belonging. Born with a handicap, Laura has always been shy and timid.

Williams uses an abundant amount of symbolism throughout his play; however, the most significant example would be that of the glass menagerie itself. Williams presents the character of Laura who has dealt with her own personal struggles. Born with a limp as a handicap, Laura is very timid and distinct from her peers. Due to these differences Laura withdraws from college as a result of feeling isolated. Toward the end of the play Laura is introduced to a potential suitor named Jim, a colleague of her brother’s. At first Laura is apprehensive of the encounter as she has never spoken to Jim face to face; however, in the midst of their conversation Laura opens up to him, and shares her collection of glass figurines. Laura explains to Jim how “most of [the ornaments] are little animals made out of glass… [her mother calling] them glass menageries” (Williams 82). Williams placement of this object in the story has a bigger impact to the message he is transmitting. The glass ornaments, like Laura, are fragile and need care; however, they are beautiful and a treasure to be had. Williams’s use of symbolism helps tie to his theme, of handicap and disability. Laura is a character who like her prized possessions needs careful supervision, but ultimately she does not let her disability define her, as she is capable of so much more. This message is extremely relevant today as many can relate to living with some sort of handicap. Williams’s theme speaks to people of all eras, as so many like Laura wish to overcome and accept their