Williams's Use of Symbolic Reference in The Glass Menagerie

Williams's Use of Symbolic Reference in The Glass Menagerie

Tennessee William's wrote "The Glass Menagerie" basing it on himself

and his life, although not always in detail. Tennessee's life was not

one of perfection. It had a lot of downs causing the play to be a very

sentimental, dimly lighted and emotionally play. Although this play

has a very basic story line Tennessee use of symbolism crates a much

more meaningful story of the Wingfild family. Symbolism is used in

almost every object, character and in the language used throughout the

play.

There are not very many props used on stage, apart from basic

necessary props such as the settee and table. Other props are much

more significant to the meaning of the play, the most obvious is the

glass menagerie itself. The fire escape is the Wingfild's most

commonly used entrance and exit to their apartment. Only once

throughout the play do we see the apartment blocks main staircase

actually used. This is when Tom leaves through the main entrance

instead of the fire exit. This symbolises that this is his final

departure it shows escape. Although this is the most symbolic aspect

of the fire escape it is also where Tom tries to have brief moments to

himself, away from his nagging mother Amanda.

Laura is not a very open character, but from the symbolism William's

uses, such as the glass menagerie we can see what Laura is like as a

character. The glass menagerie is very symbolic of Laura; it shows the

fragility and the delicateness of both Laura's mental and physical

character. The glass menagerie is made up of small spun glass,

animals. These animals are very delicate and fragile Laura ...

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...ot in the way he feels the need to escape, but in

the sense that even though he is the younger of the two he is the role

model figure for his older sister looks up to him. This applies in my

relationship with my brother; he looks up to me instead of the other

way round. This is the situation with both Laura and my brother

because they both have a physical disability. Although Laura's

handicap id not as severe as my brothers they both have the same

characteristics in their emotional character. They are both shy and

they both keep themselves to themselves .I feel the play is a very

deep and emotional play, which is biographical of Tennessee Williams.

His use of effective symbolism gives the play a great emotional feel.

It also gives the characters a sense of realism, which helps create an

effective and appreciative play.