Symbols in The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams
Symbols in "The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams
Tennessee Williams utilized symbols in The Glass Menagerie. Many of the symbols employed relate to the theme of escape or illustrate and contrast reality with illusion. Some of the major symbols were simple to understand, while others implied more complicated details. Each of the major symbols exhibits the nature of the characters in the play.
The symbol first mentioned at the near start of the play 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 passage. 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 the world of reality. For Laura, the fire escape is a way into her world. It is a way to escape from reality. Both examples can readily be seen. Tom will stand outside on the fire escape to smoke, showing that he does not like to be inside, to be a part of the illusionary world. Laura, on the other hand, thinks of the fire escape as a way in and not a way out. This can be seen when Amanda sends Laura to go to the store. Laura trips on the fire escape. This also shows that Laura's fears and emotions greatly affect her physical condition, more so than normal people. She tries several times to participate in the outside world, but she is too fragile. She is only secure in the midst of her glass menagerie.
Another symbol presented deals more with Tom than any of the other characters. Tom's habit of going to the movies shows us his longing to leave the apartment and head out into the world of reality. It is a place where one can find adventure. Tom, being a poet, can understand the needs of man to long for adventure and romance. Amanda, who criticizes him as being a ¡§selfish dreamer¡¨, keeps him from entering reality. Amanda wants to deprive Tom of adventure and wants him to take on full responsibility for the future of Laura. Tom has made steps to escape into reality by transferring the payment of a light bill to pay for...