Esaay_on_the_Glass_Menagerie

Tennessee Williams employs a range of non-linear allusions or motifs such as the ‘the fifth character’ to skillfully create a number of characters with distinct traits, motivations and agendas. The constant references to such motifs therefore assist characterization and in turn the advancement of the plot. They are also useful in conveying rising dramatic tension between the characters and influencing the resolution due to the fact that they foretell up coming events. For example, because of the perpetual presence of the photograph of the father or ‘fifth character’, means that there’s always a looming reminder that Tom will inevitably follow in his foot steps, allowing the situation to manifest itself into the nightmares of Amanda. Moreover, each of these entities bears a different connotation and significance for different characters thus is vital in shaping the identity of each character. In most cases they are used as metaphors for the weaknesses and shortcomings of each character. For instance, the phonograph records symbolizes the one of the refuges or sanctuaries of Laura where she runs to hide in times of danger such as when her mother is scolding her for not attending business college. This reveals her vulnerability and lack of confidence just as the collection of glass she owns is a symbol of her fragility. These items are purposefully used in reinforcing her as someone in need for ‘somebody to take care of her’ in Amanda’s words. In the same way, jonquils are continually used to expose the flaws of Amanda as they signify the fact that she lives in the unrealistic fantasy world of the past which she resorts to in times of hardship. As a result she is always wistfully ever comparing her daughter’s situation to her own as a popular young girl who one Saturday had ‘seventeen gentlemen callers’ subconsciously further decreasing Laura’s depleted self esteem. In addition, Amanda’s frequent the juxtapositioning of herself as a youth with her binary opposite Laura is what reveals their conflicting values leading to rising tensions between them. For example, we witness this conflict in values leading to high tension when they have a row regarding Laura’s truancy of Business College. There is a sharp contrast regarding the college i.e. Amanda see it as ‘all their hope’ whereas Laura sees it as an ‘evil’ place. Likewise the movie is a metaphor for Tom’s weakness. However Tennessee Williams leaves where and what ‘the movies’ is to the speculation of the audience. Therefore we are unaware of where he truly goes at night. This of device is also used to emphasize Tom secrecy creating an atmosphere of uncertainty of what he may do hanging in the air which create a lot of tension and suspense. This dark uncertainty is what frightens and infuriates Amanda and is thus the underling cause of their vicious rows leading to the deterioration of their relationship. Furthermore, the warehouse is used to represent the only lifeline for the Wingfeilds namely Amanda and Laura, its income is their only source of sustenance thus it is what keeps them alive. Ironically, the warehouse also symbolizes quite the opposite for Tom i.e. entrapment, he see it as a ‘nailed coffin’ which he yearns to one day free himself from. However the tragic dilemma is that the freedom of Tom means the imprisonment of his mother his mother and sister in poverty. Therefore, either he remains trapped so that they can remain free or he frees himself at the expenses of trapping his loved ones.