The Glass Menagerie
Critical Essay (1)
From SQA papers: Answers to questions on drama should address relevantly
the central concern(s)/theme(s) of the text and be supported by reference to
appropriate dramatic techniques such as: conflict, characterisation, key
scene(s), dialogue, climax, exposition, dénouement, structure, plot, setting,
aspects of staging (such as lighting, music, stage set, stage directions . ..),
soliloquy, monologue . . .
Question
Choose a play in which the individual experiences of the characters
illuminate themes of universal significance.
Show how the dramatist has used characterisation to help us appreciate
major themes of significance to us all.
1. Introduction-title, author, direct reference to question.
2. Brief outline of play and context-significance of the title The Glass
Menagerie.
3. Key theme-dreams and reality
Tennessee Williams successfully illuminates the theme of dreams and
reality through the characters Amanda and Tom…
 Amanda’s dream for Laura-her preoccupation with her youth in
Blue Mountain (symbol of jonquils)- 17 gentlemen caller–attempts
to disguise the truth of their life-self-pity and tendency to blame
others (symbol of martyr)-abandoned by husband (symbol of
portrait)-poverty stricken-insular existence
 Tom’s role as narrator and character-his soliloquies-dreams of
escaping this home-life of adventure-leaving behind the mundane
life in the shoe factory-writing to escape reality-going to moviesdesire to go to sea like his father-see the world-futility of his
escape at the end-always haunted by Laura
4. Key Theme-escape/imprisonment
The desire which Tom has to escape his life also helps us to understand
the theme of imprisonment …
 Tom trapped by dead-end job-the dilemma between his
responsibility to his mother and sister which his father neglected
and his ambitions to leave home and travel (symbol of Jolly Roger)
 Symbol of the fire escape
Laura is also trapped in her life but as a result of her physical and
psychological difficulties…
 Laura trapped by her insecurity and lack of confidence-experience
at business college-physical disability, shyness-one opportunity for
escape is Jim O’Connor (symbol of gentleman caller and all it
represents)- key scene and climax of the drama-discuss the
importance of this scene to your understanding of the play’s
themes-Jim’s role as Laura’s saviour-breaking of the unicorn-his
revelation about his engagement-destruction of her hopes and
dreams
5. Dénouement
 Discuss the concluding scene of the play where Jim disappoints
Laura (snuffing out candles), devastating the family and driving
Tom away forever. How does this outcome help you to
understand the key themes of the play-dreams and reality and
imprisonment?
6. Conclusion-come to a conclusion in relation to the question. What has
been illuminated by the playwright through his use of characterisation
and other dramatic techniques?