1. Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie
Recurring Themes & Symbols

2. Themes Illusion vs. Reality The American Dream 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.

3. 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?

4. 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?

5. Illusion vs. Reality — Amanda
Does Amanda have illusions? Is so, what are they?
Illusions about herself? Her children? Her life?
Is Amanda able to see reality about some things? Which things?
Does she see herself realistically? Does she see others realistically?

6. Illusion vs. Reality — Laura
Does Laura have illusions? If so, what are they?
Illusions about herself? Others? Life?
Does Laura see things realistically?
Does she see herself realistically? Does she see others or life realistically?

7. 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?

8. 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?

9. Memory — Tom Which of Tom’s memories are revealed in the play?
If the play is based on Tom’s memory, in choosing what to leave in or leave out does he cast himself as “the good guy”?
How do Tom’s memories affect his behavior?
Are there significant details he seems to have left out/forgotten? Why?

10. 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?

11. 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?

12. MEMORY
Which characters seem most affected by memories? Least affected?
Are the affects of the memories positive? Negative?

13. FREEDOM What is the definition of freedom? Financial freedom
Emotional freedom
The ability to make decisions for oneself? To have a variety of choices?

14. Freedom Which characters are most free? (financially and emotionally)
Least free?
What would freedom mean to each character?
Do all the characters seek freedom? Why or why not?
What is the price of freedom? Is it selfish?

15. 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?

16. 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”

17. 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”

18. 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

19. 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”

20. Superior Things — Amanda
Doesn’t want Tom to jeopardize job with “shameful” behavior
Believes that hard work = success
“sacrifices”
“nothing offends people worse”
Says girls shouldn’t fall for appearance (listen to instincts)
Home improvements
Dances, picnics, flowers

21. Laura and Jim Laura and instinct Jim and superior things
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?

22. 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 —”

23. 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.

24. 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

25. 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?

26. SYMBOLS

27. Symbols Glass and glass menagerie Paradise Hall Blindness
Blue, Blue Roses
Burning, fire, candles
Alleyway
Zoo, hot house
Magic show, coffin