The Glass Menageriea play by Tennessee Williams

Tennessee Williams(1911-1983)

One of the most famous playwrights of the English-speaking world: won many awards

From Mississippi, and later moved to New Orleans

Had a close relationship with his younger sister, Rose. She had schizophrenia and was put in a mental institution.

Rose’s illness, along with Williams’ homosexuality, might have contributed to his drug and alcohol problems

The Glass Menagerie Debut: Chicago, 1944 The play is autobiographical,

reprensenting Williams’ own mother and sister. Tom represents Williams himself.

The play was a huge success and continues to be very popular in American theatre. Several movie versions have been made by Hollywood.

The Story

The StoryTom Wingfield is a young man who takes care of his family after their father leaves. His mother Amanda is controlling for her children, hoping they have a better life than she did. His sister Laura has a crippled foot, and is afraid of the outside world. When Tom brings a work friend to the house, Amanda and Laura get very excited. They think this man, Jim, could marry Laura and give her a good life. After kissing her, he reveals he is engaged to another woman.

The Characters

Amanda Wingfield Grew up wealthy and

beautiful, but now doesn’t have much money to take care of her children.

Husband left the family. Wants her children to

have a good life, but sometimes resents them for taking up her time and youth.

Tom Wingfield Works at a shoe warehouse

to support his mother and sister.

Wants to be a poet. Resents his obligation to be

the breadwinner. Escapes at night at bars and

theatres.

Laura Wingfield Crippled from a

childhood illness Feels shy about her

handicap Isolated from the

outside world Has created a world of

her own in her glass menagerie.

Jim An old high school

friend of Tom and Laura’s

Used to be a popular, athletic teenager

Works in the shoe warehouse with Tom

Mr. Wingfield Amanda’s husband,

and Tom and Laura’s father

A handsome man who worked at the telephone company

Abandoned the family, though they still think and talk about him often