The Glass Menagerie: An Analysis
Tyson Evans
University of Phoenix

The Glass Menagerie offers a beautifully developed glimpse into humanity and more specifically familial dysfunction. Tennessee Williams uses this play as a definitive embodiment of the dangers of interdependence as well as low self- esteem. Williams begins this symbolic journey from the very inception of the work. The use of the word “menagerie” meaning a collection of wild animals kept in captivity for exhibition or a strange collection. In this case, the strange collection is the Wingfields. The play and the text presents us with an overbearing mother who clings to yesterday year, a daughter that is mentally bound by her psychological insecurities that stem from her physical disability, and an irresponsible brother who want to escape his this reality he has with his mother and sister. The word “Glass” represents their fragility, individually and as a unit. Frankly the family’s external problems seem fairly miniscule on the grander scale of the issues known to plague any familial unit. They are not rich, but not destitute, they have lost a parent, but they have each other. The play is set in the midst of the great depression following a war, therefore this family portrait was one that would have been mirrored in many American homes; financial turmoil and lost family members was commonplace. However, the psychological torment and idiosyncrasies characteristic of all three of our main characters holds them captive in misery. While a closely-knit family can often be the bridge that carries people over rough times, this family’s toxic interdependence on each other is what ultimately tears them apart. Williams uses very literal symbolism as well as strategic directorial methods throughout the narrative of this play to convey his point. The play opens with all three main characters together at diner time. The dynamics of this family becomes clear very quickly. The mother pontificates about her wonderful youth and her many gentleman callers, using her perceived success to call her daughter to action, the daughter wallowing in self pity, and the man of the house condescending the mother while simultaneously ridiculing his sister. After this scene has run its course, Williams flashed the title, “The Glass Menagerie”, highlighting that this family, particularly the daughter who sits at the table as if on display waiting or gentleman callers, is indeed our glass menagerie. Laura’s lack of suitors is the central conflict of the play, or rather the central conflict on the surface, we soon find out that there are quite a few underlying conflicts. Tom the breadwinner feels trapped not just by his family but also by his vocation, which leads him to travel the world in search of adventure and ultimately abandon the family. However, before he delivers this fatal blow to the family unit’s fortitude, he cause much turmoil through an act that is intended to be a kind gesture, though sardonic in nature. Tom, in an effort to quell Amanda’s fears that’s Laura will end up an old maid; he invites his co-worker Jim to the house. In this scene, Williams’ use of symbolism is overwhelming. As Laura, who has an ailment in her leg, shows gym the family’s collection, their glass menagerie, he knocks them over and breaks one in particular, the unicorn. The unicorn represents Laura, unique, reserved, and rare, and for a brief moment Jim succumbs to this mystique. When Jim accidentally breaks the unicorn horn, it transforms the unique ethereal animal unto a “normal” horse, just as his dancing and kiss of Laura briefly allows her to feel like a typical young lady. However, this symbolic metaphor quickly turns sour when Jim reveals that he has a fiancé. The disjointed figurine no longer represents Laura’s blossom into a regular girl, but merely her internal broken spirit. The writer solidifies this sentiment when Laura offers Jim the fractured unicorn as a parting gift as he rushes away to be with his fiancé. Symbolism and imagination are weaved throughout the play. The audience can almost picture Amanda in her youth as she romanticizes about her past and her numerous suitors, which serves as her proverbial crutch. Laura of course narrowly sees the difference in the reality of her glass collection and everyday life. Even our Jim manages to have aside where he dreams and imagines himself in a high executive position. Tom, however, uses alcohol as his escape. Our seemingly light-hearted man of the house is the only that fails to find escape and solace. Even geographic separation from his family does not free him from these depressing family ties. He remains haunted by the memories of his sister’s anguish and mother’ disgust many years later. However, another analysis may reveal the exact opposite conclusion. Perhaps Tom is the only one that truly has freedom. His realization of reality causes him grief yet still gives him some power. Laura, for instance, while she finds solace and beauty in her eccentric collection, and more pointedly, her unicorn, she fails to embrace her own uniqueness. Amanda, though she frequently recounts the flights of fancy of her youth, this and attempting to relive it through her daughter is all she can cling too. Imagination can never trump reality unless imagination becomes tangible vision. This short but powerful play offers tremendous insight into the human condition. Symbolism, imagination, directorial strategy set the tone perfectly for the audience to adequately attain the message and concepts of the pay. Though explored a basic level, the play “The Glass Menagerie” offers tremendous depth and subjective but powerful truths.