The Glass Menagerie is an interesting, dynamic play that has many parallels with the author's own life. Accompanying this work with information about Tennessee Williams's life and the time period in which the play was written will foster interesting discussions about the themes of the play and the portrayal of Williams's family members in the characters.
Symbolism is a literary technique Williams frequently uses throughout the play. Identifying the major symbols and dissecting their meaning will help students understand the themes of the play. Students should understand the concept of memory and the elements that create the atmosphere of memory in the play. This will allow for an engaging debate about the reality of the play—because it is from Tom's mind, is this a realistic representation of what happened?
Summary
The play is a memory of how Tom remembers the days before he left his mother and sister. The action is set in 1937 in St. Louis where Tom works to support his meddling mother, Amanda, and cripplingly shy sister, Laura, years after his father abandoned them. Amanda tries to find a suitor for Laura, and Tom, pressured by his mother, invites a coworker, Jim, home for dinner. However, Jim's relationship with Laura does not go as hoped, and Amanda blames Tom.
Movies
The play has been adapted into many films. The most notable is the CBS Playhouse TV movie The Glass Menagerie directed by Anthony Harvey. This 1973 adaptation won four Primetime Emmys including Best Supporting Actor and Actress of the Year.
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Multiple Critical Perspectives