Sample Work: Poetry and Drama

Question

When reflecting on the play The Glass Menagerie, there are several lessons to learn; in addition to its overarching theme about confinement and escape (both physical and emotional), other themes of the play include: obligation to family, conflict between one’s duty and one’s own dreams, abandonment, societal expectations of men and women, the nature of love and marriage. Two of those are worthy of further analysis: [...] and [...].
Firstly, look at the theme of [...]. For example, the text states, “[...]” ([page number]). To explain, [...]. This proves the point that [...].
Secondly, the author addresses the topic of [...]. The play provides proof of this in the dialogue, “[...]” ([page number]). To elaborate, [...]. This illustrates that [...].
Ultimately, The Glass Menagerie is an example of a “memory play,” in which a character tells a story drawn from their own memories. A character named [...] teaches us many valuable lessons in addition to those listed above. Through the stories shared, the biggest takeaway is this: [...].

Answer 1

Sample Work: Poetry and Drama

When reflecting on the play The Glass Menagerie, there are several lessons to learn; in addition to its overarching theme about confinement and escape (both physical and emotional), other themes of the play include: obligation to family, conflict between one’s duty and one’s own dreams, abandonment, societal expectations of men and women, the nature of love and marriage. Two of those are worthy of further analysis: obligation to family and the conflict between duty and personal dreams.

Firstly, look at the theme of obligation to family. For example, the text states, “I give you truth in the pleasant disguise of illusion” (Williams, p. 124). To explain, this line highlights Tom's struggle between his desire for freedom and his responsibility to provide for his mother and sister. This proves the point that Tom feels trapped in his role as caretaker while yearning for a life of his own. His sense of duty leads to internal conflict and ultimately shapes his decisions throughout the play.

Secondly, the author addresses the topic of the conflict between one's duty and one's own dreams. The play provides proof of this in the dialogue, “I’m not sure what you mean by ‘our dreams’... I’m not sure I want to hear them now” (Williams, p. 92). To elaborate, this moment reflects Amanda's desire for her children to fulfill her dreams of success and stability, while Tom grapples with his own aspirations of being a writer and escaping the family obligations that hold him back. This illustrates that the pressure to conform to family expectations can lead to resentment and the pursuit of personal happiness becomes fraught with guilt.

Ultimately, The Glass Menagerie is an example of a “memory play,” in which a character tells a story drawn from their own memories. A character named Tom Wingfield teaches us many valuable lessons in addition to those listed above. Through the stories shared, the biggest takeaway is this: the importance of pursuing one’s own identity and dreams, even in the face of familial obligations and societal expectations.