The Glass Menagerie

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   jengerlach Teacher
   High School - 12th Grade

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   The play is set during the Great Depression, which means that financial troubles will contribute to disagreements between the characters.  Because Mr. Wingfield has abandoned the family, the responsibility for supporting the family falls primarily upon his son, Tom.  Tom is torn between his reluctance to leave his beloved sister Laura, and his need to create his own life for himself.  He feels trapped in the little Wingfield apartment.

   Furthermore, the family members see themselves as victims.  Amanda grew up in the South where her family was wealthy and had servants.  She feels she has come upon great misfortune to be in her present situation.  Both she and Tom see themselves as victims of Mr. Wingfield's abandonment, though Tom identifies with his father.  Laura feels victimized by her childhood bout with pleurosis, which has left her with a limp.  She doesn't have any desire to further herself or support the family; she sees herself as crippled and unable.

   This lack of self reliance keeps the Wingfields from bettering their situation.

   Sources:

   http://www.enotes.com/glass-menagerie/characters

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   Posted by jengerlach on Monday October 6, 2008 at 9:52 AM
   
   

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