Tennessee Williams The Glass Menagerie Recurring Themes Symbols
Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie Recurring Themes & Symbols
Themes • • • Illusion vs. Reality Memory Freedom Quest Instinct vs. Civilized Behavior, struggle between generations • Disintegration of American family • The American Dream • Survival of man in the machine age • Fragility vs. Strength • Man’s need to escape his surroundings.
Illusion vs. Reality • In Scene I, Tom says, “I give you truth in the pleasant disguise of illusion. ” • What is the truth at the heart of this story? • What is the illusion which disguises it?
Illusion vs. Reality — Tom • What are some of Tom’s illusions? • Does he have illusions about himself? Others? Life? • Is Tom able to see reality about some things? Which things? • Is he able to see himself realistically? Does he see others realistically?
Illusion vs. Reality — Amanda • Does Amanda have • Is Amanda able to see illusions? Is so, what reality about some are they? things? Which things? • Illusions about herself? • Does she see herself Her children? Her life? realistically? Does she see others realistically?
Illusion vs. Reality — Laura • Does Laura have • Does Laura see things illusions? If so, what realistically? are they? • Does she see herself • Illusions about herself? realistically? Does she Others? Life? see others or life realistically?
Illusion vs. Reality • References to “school of the blind” … “America sits in a dark room” • How do Tom’s assertions also serve as a commentary on American life in the lead up to World War II?
Memory • What is meant by the idea of a “memory play”? • Does the fact that the play is based on memory make it seem less true or less factual? • Do we have to deal with memories in order to move forward?
Memory — Tom • Which of Tom’s • How do Tom’s memories are revealed memories affect his in the play? behavior? • If the play is based on • Are there significant Tom’s memory, in details he seems to choosing what to leave have left in or leave out does he out/forgotten? Why? cast himself as “the good guy”?
Memory — Amanda • What does Amanda remember? • When (in what context) does she remember her past? • Why does she remember her past? • How do Amanda’s memories affect her – Behavior? – Actions? – Decisions?
Memory — Laura • What does Laura remember? • When (in what context) does she remember her past? • Why does she remember her past? • How do Laura’s memories affect her – Behavior? – Actions? – Decisions? • Also consider Jim’s memories and how they affect him?
MEMORY • Which characters seem most affected by memories? Least affected? • Are the affects of the memories positive? Negative?
FREEDOM • What is the definition of freedom? – Financial freedom – Emotional freedom – The ability to make decisions for oneself? To have a variety of choices?
Freedom • Which characters are • Do all the characters most free? (financially and emotionally) • Least free? • What would freedom mean to each character? seek freedom? Why or why not? • What is the price of freedom? Is it selfish?
Instinct vs. Superior Things • What is meant by instinct? • What is meant by superior things? • Which characters believe in instinct? Which characters believe in superior things? • How do these beliefs create conflict between these characters? • What is the result?
Instinct • What is instinct? (according to Webster’s) – “an inborn pattern of activity or tendency to action common to a given biological species” – “a natural inclination or attitude” – “natural intuitive power”
Instinct — Tom • Late for dinner • Chews food quickly • Uses vulgarity, profanity • Reads DH Lawrence • Argues with mother, others • • • Smokes Goes to movies Drinks Gulps coffee Is selfish? ? Wants to “face facts”
Instinct vs. Superior Things • What are superior things? – Manners – Etiquette and social graces – Talking of refined (not coarse, not vulgar) things – Having civilized ambitions, wants, hopes, dreams
Superior Things — Amanda • Grace at dinner • Table manners • “never anything coarse, or common, or vulgar” • “fresh and pretty” • Wants both children to take classes • “defect …. Slight disadvantage … develop charm” • Makes small talk when doing sales • Lawrence – “horrible book”
Superior Things — Amanda • Doesn’t want Tom to • Says girls shouldn’t jeopardize job with “shameful” behavior • Believes that hard work = success • “sacrifices” • “nothing offends people worse” fall for appearance (listen to instincts) • Home improvements • Dances, picnics, flowers
Laura and Jim • Laura and instinct – Leaves class when nervous – Won’t answer door when scared – Quits school when embarrassed • Jim and superior things – Position at warehouse – Self-esteem, taking classes – Can put on “an act” Can characters who are governed by either instinct or “Superior things” both refuse to see reality?
Conflict • Tom and Amanda – Tom: “Man is by instinct a lover, a hunter, a fighter and none of those …. ” – Amanda: “Surely your aims are somewhat higher than theirs! Than monkeys — pigs —”
Which wins? • When angry (giving in to instinct), Tom shakes the glass menagerie • When giving in to instinct, Amanda marries the “wrong man” and Laura’s unicorn gets broken • Tom leaves the family, follows instincts for survival, selfish pleasure; however, he doesn’t seem happy in end.
The American Dream • Definition: Hard work = success • What is success: money, a home, a family? • What traits are needed to achieve this? – Talent – Ambition – Optimism/believe/faith in the system – Strong work ethic – Intelligence – Social skills
The American Dream for play • Which characters possess the traits needed to achieve the American Dream? • Is it likely any of them will achieve the American dream? Why or why not?
SYMBOLS
Symbols • Glass and glass • • • menagerie Paradise Hall Blindness Blue, Blue Roses Burning, fire, candles Alleyway • Zoo, hot house • Magic show, coffin
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