Glass Menagerie Symbolism Essay - 2502 Words

In his drama, The Glass Menagerie, Tennessee Williams uses symbolism in order to develop multi-faceted characters and to display the recurring themes of the play. These various symbols appear throughout the entire piece, and they are usually disguised as objects or imagery. They allow the reader to know the characters#8217; personalities, and their true inside characteristics. These symbols also add to the major themes, which develop as the play gains momentum. In the drama, symbols play the most important role. One of the most recurring symbols is the glass menagerie itself. It consists of glass animals frozen in form and it is housed at the Wingfield#8217;s apartment. The glass menagerie has a high amount of meaning for all of†¦show more content†¦It is obvious that Laura has changed, but this change does not become permanent. Just as the menagerie represents Laura, it also holds significance for Laura#8217;s mother, Amanda. Throughout the drama, Amanda tells her ch ildren about the life she lived when she was young and living at Blue Mountain. She recalls her dozens of gentlemen callers and her popularity at the time. Seeing how time has changed for Amanda from her youth to the time presented in the play, it is plain to understand why she would try to relive her past. Amanda wishes that her life would be as simple and enjoyable as it was when she was young. She also wants to create such a happy childhood for her two children. Amanda tries to force upon her views to Laura and Tom, and in turn wants to live in the past. She yearns for Laura to have gentlemen callers as she had, and tries to make this dream a reality. #8220;It is Amanda who names Laura#8217;s collection a #8216;glass menagerie,#8217; in which animal drives are frozen into esthetic objects, and it is she who longs for gentlemen callers in an ungentle world#8221; (Cohn 101). Amanda tries to freeze her life to preserve the girl she once was. The glass menagerie, being froze n in time, symbolizes Amanda#8217;s wishes for Laura to live the life Amanda once had. One specific member of the glass menagerie, the unicorn, plays an important part in symbolizing the situation between Laura and Jim (theShow MoreRelated Essay on the Symbolism of the Menagerie in The Glass Menagerie1002 Words   |  5 PagesThe Symbolism of the Menagerie in The Glass Menagerie      Ã‚   Tennessee Williams play, The Glass Menagerie, describes three separate characters, their dreams, and the harsh realities they face in a modern world.   The Glass Menagerie exposes the lost dreams of a southern family and their desperate struggle to escape reality. Williams use of symbols adds depth to the play. 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