The Glass Menagerie

In Class Essay

Directions: Discuss one of the following topics in the play in an organized

essay, attempting to explain what the plays message is about the topic. You
may use the questions as guidelines for what you write, but you should not
simply answer each question one at a time. You must analyze at least three
symbols in the play and trace them throughout the play. Be sure to also
discuss the topic in relation to all three main characters (Laura, Tom, and
Amanda).

Divorce/Desertion
Identify symbols of divorce/desertion. How does the desertion by the father
affect the rest of the family? What causes the desertion to come about? What
could have prevented the desertion? Why are desertion and divorce so
prevalent in society today? What could be the results of such a
phenomenon? Is there a way to stop it?

Responsibility
What responsibility does each character have for the well being of the others
in the play? Who does and does not fulfill his/her responsibility in the play?
What are the effects of them not fulfilling their responsibilities? In what
ways do people today neglect their responsibilities to family and society?
What are the effects of this? How can this be changed?

The American Dream

What dream does each character have of what his/her life should be like?
What events serve to build up these dreams and what serves to tear them
down? Are their dreams helpful to them or harmful? Are our dreams
different or the same as theirs? What in our lives has taken away our hope
for these dreams?

Weakness and Handicaps

Identify the weaknesses or handicaps that each character in the play has.
How do their weaknesses affect their own lives and the lives of others? How
can their weaknesses be diminished or overcome? What responsibility, if
any, do the strong have in protecting the weak? Can their lives actually be
made worse by being overly protective?