Memories_in_the_Glass_Menargerie

By close reference, explore the importance of two of the memories revealed by characters in the play. Because of the bad memories she had, she tends to retreat into her own world. Her glass menagerie is the only place where she can seek refuge. Her memories of high school days helped us understand why she is a recluse and show examples of how she is sensitive to the feelings around her. “She notices things and I think she- broods about them” “She has an idea that you’re not happy here.” Even though not explicitly said, it was shown that she is able to read others’ feelings, just like how she reads the feelings of her classmate. * This in turn has made Laura a very peace-loving person as she constantly feels the tension at home and wishes for her life to be that of her glass ornaments in her GM, a peaceful wonderland. * Memories of her high school days shapes her behavior and explains the way why she behaved as such when Jim arrived. * She remembers Jim as a crush, and therefore she feels she cannot see him as she feels inferior, not in a position to see him, does not want him to see her like that/ in that state. * Importance of memories helps understand why Laura is reluctant to see Jim. Memories Theme of illusion * Caused her to retreat into her world of the GM more often. * She creates a world around herself to escape from her harsh reality. She seeks comfort in the peaceful, harmonious and equal world of the GM. * A form of comfort, safe harbor, a haven, an escape, her hiding place.\ Amanda’s memories of her glorious past * She remembers her comfortable, pampered life where she had a lot of things done for her. Where she is rich, had a luxurious life and was well sought after by many eligible bachelors. * Memories are important to her as it had a great impact on Amanda on the ways she carry out her daily life and most definitely the way she behaves in front of Jim with her “Southern vivacity”. * Memories gives her a reason to live and makes life bearable for her because when things get to difficult, too harsh for her to tolerate, it serves as a refuge for her to run away to. A place that makes her feel good, and lifts her sense of spirits up and feeds her ego. Her memories of her past help readers understand why Amanda behaves in the way she does towards Laura. * It tells the readers her deepest wish and her deepest wish is for Laura to live a blessed married life. * Wants to recreate her image on Laura so that Laura can be as attractive as Amanda was many years ago, so that many gentlemen callers will be attracted. This also helps Amanda re-live her vivacious life in Laura. * Imagines Laura to be as perfect as she was cause she wants her daughter to be like that. * Amanda memories of her teen yrs makes her think that Laura must go through the same glory as her when she was younger. Explaining why Amanda chose to ignore Laura’s disability and refuse to allow anyone to say she is ‘crippled’. Importance of the memories * it serves of an avenue for another theme to be explored – illusion, which readers can contrast with her current situation. REALITY X ILLUSION Stark reality is that she is an abandoned wife laden with the responsibility of solely bringing up her two children. (Having to ensure that Laura finds/ secures a husband, ensuring Tom brings home the bread & butter for the family) She is no longer attractive and youthful as she used to be who was pursued by many gentlemen callers.