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Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Symbols in the Glass Menagerie - 1307 Words
In 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 excursion.?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 a world of new dimensions.?For Laura, the fire escape is a way into her own world. A way to escape from reality.?Amanda perceives the fire escape as a way†¦show more content†¦Dont you think I know it? Im so proud! Happy and - I feel Ive - so much to be thankful for (p. 414).?Amanda has two fears in her life.?One of her worst fears is having Tom grow up to be his father. Promise, son, youll - ne ver be a drunkard! (p. 414).?When I see you taking after his ways! Staying out late - and - well, you had been drinking the night you were in that - terrifying condition (p. 415).?Amandas other fear in life is having Laura grow old without a gentleman caller.?We have to be making plans and provisions for her. She just drifts along doing nothing. It frightens me terribly how she just drifts along (p. 416).?Tom suggested to Amanda that Laura just might be what people call home girls but Amanda refuses to believe it.?Theres no such type, and if there is, its a pity! That is unless the home is hers, with a husband (p. 416).?Therefore, Amanda sees the fire escape as a way to escape her own problems and invite gentlemen callers into their lives for Laura.? à  ®?Laura has issues of her own and she also finds the need to escape them. Laura leads a life of simplicity and has a difficult time dealing with the outside world.?I put her in business college - a dismal failure! Frightened her so it made her sick to her stomach. I took her over toShow MoreRelated Essay on the Use of Symbols, Tensions, and Irony in The Glass Menagerie891 Words  | 4 PagesUse of Symbols, Tensions, and Irony in The Glass Menagerie     The Glass Menagerie, by Tennessee Williams, is a perfect example of how Williams incorporates symbols, tensions, and irony to help express the central theme of the play.     One of the most dominant symbols in the play is the fire escape. It represents something different for each of the characters. Tom uses the fire escape to escape from his cramped apartment and nagging mother. Therefore, the fire escape symbolizesRead MoreImportant Symbols and Themes of The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams7390 Words  | 30 PagesImportant Symbols and Themes of The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams Tennessee Williams play, The Glass Menagerie is considered a memory play because it is told from the memory of the narrator. 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