The Glass Menagerie Symbolism Essay

Many works of literary merit contain to put an important object or theme that is central to the protagonist’s life. This important part is known as a symbol. Symbols are vital to many stories as they reveal one’s personality or struggles. Tennessee Williams The Glass Menagerie, Laura Wingfield has trouble with confidence and is not open to others. The glass menagerie represents Laura’s insecurity. Laura’s insecurity contributes to the family’s struggles as well as the need for matrimony and it also represents a Laura’s fragility and Tom’s need for escape. Laura’s conflict not only affects herself but also the rest of the family. Tom works at a warehouse and makes little money. Laura who was supposed to study at business school failed and now
Laura is a girl who cannot reveal herself to outside society. She is crippled and cannot talk to anyone except her family. She is like her glass menagerie. When Laura was dancing with Jim, the glass unicorn shattered. While it could represent a break from Laura’s fragility, it also represents the downfall of Laura’s future. She knows she will be who she is forever. The family’s problems also affect Tom. Since Laura cannot help Tom as well as herself, Tom felt like running away. Also, he was tired of Amanda criticizing him. Tom needed a break from Amanda and Laura and wanted to create a new life for himself. He felt Laura’s insecurities were directly and indirectly impacting Tom’s life. On the other hand, he felt frustrated because he could not help Laura. Overall, the glass menagerie helped readers understand Laura’s character and how her character led to the family’s predicaments. The glass menagerie represented Laura’s fragility and how her fragility impacted the Wingfields financially. The stress overload led to Tom’s escape for a new life. Ultimately, the glass menagerie represented Laura’s character and how she impacted the family’s well