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 themes 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’m the only one who can help you” (Williams 2.2.42). To explain, this line is spoken by Tom as he struggles with his sense of responsibility toward his mother and sister, Amanda and Laura. This proves the point that the weight of familial obligation can be a burden, influencing decisions and limiting personal freedom.
Secondly, the author addresses the topic of the conflict between duty and personal dreams. The play provides proof of this in the dialogue, “I want to be a poet. I want to travel. I want to find my own way” (Williams 1.3.85). To elaborate, Tom's desire to pursue his own dreams contrasts sharply with the expectations placed on him by his family. This illustrates that the pursuit of personal ambition can often be at odds with the demands of familial loyalty, creating an internal struggle for individuals who feel torn between their own desires and their responsibilities.
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 necessity of balancing personal aspirations with the ties of family, acknowledging that both love and duty can create complex emotional landscapes.
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