William's family life was very influential to his writing. The household of The Glass Menagerie was undeniably inspired by his own, with several obvious relationships existing.
• His mother, Edwina Dakin Williams, had grown up in a civilized southern lifestyle and yearned for the ways of the past, much like Amanda does throughout the novel. This is made evident by Amanda's numerous references to her gentleman callers of the past and her desire for Laura to start entertaining callers as well.
• Williams" father, Cornelius, had made a career as a traveling salesman for a shoe manufacturing company, and was often away from home. The father in The Glass Menagerie had also pursued the same career, and eventually abandoned the family. In the story, Tom often feels a yearning to pursue the same path as his father.
• Williams" older sister Rose suffered from emotional problems and ultimately ended up wasting away in mental institutions. She is without a doubt the inspiration for Laura, who was also handicapped. Rose was also said to be the single greatest influence of his writing ("Encyclopedia: Tennessee Williams"). Eventually his parents permitted a lobotomy in an attempt to cure Rose, for which Williams never forgave them. This is .
-Major Themes and Stylistic Devices-.
The major themes of Tennessee William's works are drawn mainly from his own life and experiences, even more so than most playwrights. Many of his plays are, in a sense, autobiographies of his life and express how he views the world. The main characters are generally the narrators and are associated with Tennessee himself, much like how other characters represent members of his family. .
• One recurring theme of his work is a pressing sexuality, which "can be read as an obsession with loneliness" ("Williams, Tennessee"). This is evident in The Glass Menagerie when Jim and Laura are left alone to talk while Tom and Amanda remain in the kitchen.