These symbols give an insight and understanding of the life of the Wingfields. ... Next is the glass figures that reside in Laura's menagerie are symbols of Laura herself. ... The significance of this symbolism to the theme of the play is seen in the way life, for the Wingfields, is devoid of reality. ... It was fragile and unique, like Laura. ... As Laura places the unicorn in Jim's hands, it's as if Laura is placing herself, and her self-image, in his hands as well. ...

• Word Count: 803
• Approx Pages: 3
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

"The apartment faces an alley and is entered by a fire escape, a structure whose name is a touch of accidental poetic truth." (426) This represents the "bridge" between the illusory world of the Wingfields and the world of reality. ... Wingfield, the absent father of Tom and Laura and husband to Amanda. ... When Amanda tells Laura to practice typing, Laura instead plays with her glass collection. ... The shattered glass represents Laura's understanding of Tom. ... This is symbolic of Laura's acceptance of being different. ...

• Word Count: 702
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

Through the eyes of Tom Wingfield, a character in the play, the reader gets a glance into the life of his family. ... One major symbol presented in the story is that of the fire escape, which has a different meaning and function for each of the Wingfield characters. ... "Laura cries out as if wounded" (III, p. 1792). ... This instance seems to give Laura hope on life. Next, the chandeliers from the dance hall across the way create rainbow-colored reflections in the Wingfield home. ...

• Word Count: 991
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

In The Glass Menagerie, Tom Wingfield is unhappy with his life as his primary role is to work and provide for his family. ... Clearly Laura escapes reality as she uses her menagerie. Secondly, Williams uses the victrola as a symbol of Laura escaping. ... At this point, Laura finds out that Jim is the gentleman caller. ... The last symbol of escape for Laura is when she fell on the fire escape. ...

• Word Count: 1274
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School