The Glass Menagerie- Scene 7

The Glass Menagerie

By: Tennessee Williams

Life is full of countless lessons. Often such cannot be taught, but must be learned by experience. As in life, the recounting of Tom’s memory illustrates the life lessons of the characters with in the play, The Glass Menagerie. From the lesson of dreams and hope to that of love and dedication, the aphorisms of the play illustrate to the viewer or reader by experience, countless life lessons.

Aphorisms serve as a prevalent literary technique scattered within the play to provide meaning and purpose to the work. Direct aphorisms of determination like “Try and you will SUCCEED (Page 1251)” present the importance of staying hopeful and wishful of adventure and love. Others less literal like “In these trying times we live in, all that we have to cling to is each other…(Page 1251)” describe the value of love in relationships. As the play draws to a close, Laura’s potential suitor becomes only a friend as it is revealed that Jim O’Connor is actually engaged. At this revelation, the family which is built upon hopes and connectedness to each other falls apart just as the glass unicorn shattered. Amanda blames Tom for embarrassing the family causing him to run away just as his father did in the pursuit of his own freedom and dreams. Yet, he remains haunted by Laura’s fragility and beauty as he becomes daunted by the storm of reality.  As the memory becomes blown out like a candle, the life lessons presented remain aglow by the emphasis of aphorisms.

The Glass Menagerie- Scene 6

The Glass Menagerie

By: Tennessee Williams

“She is like a piece of translucent glass touched by light, given a momentary radiance, not actual, not lasting.”(1263) Symbols characterize the themes of the novel as they illustrate ideas of society and culture. The most prevalent theme and symbol of The Glass Menagerie is presented in the title of the piece.  Throughout the play, Laura’s collection of glass animals characterizes her personality as fragile and transparent.  Glasses refractive ability represents Laura’s more complex personality which is also characterized in the symbol of her nickname, “Blue Rose.”  These connected qualities are represented in Laura’s shyness as well as her inner and true beauty which is magnified by the enlightening support and confidence of James O’Connor. In a larger context, the glass animals can be traced to represent the security of society and the protections we rely upon such as government. As Laura relies upon the glass for confidence and a sense of security, citizens likewise rely upon the fragile but refractive government.  Finally, the glass unicorn more specifically represents the differences of individuals within society. The uniqueness of the glass unicorn correlates with Laura’s own uniqueness and individuality. Additionally, when the unicorn loses its horn and Laura dances with Mr. O’Connor, both become more similar to society. Like the unicorn though, Laura is not fully conformed to society though until she breaks from her past and lets go of her uniqueness or disability. 

The Glass Menagerie- Scene 5

The Glass Menagerie

By: Tennessee Williams

While the play is focused on memories from the past, little hints foreshadow the future. Such is true in Scene Five as Tom informs Amanda that he has found a gentleman caller named James Delaney O’Connor for Laura. Although the future remains unknown as to the impact this man might have on the family, the reader can infer with a new certainty as to what might lie ahead.

“Adventure and change were imminent in this year. They were waiting around the corner…they were suspended in mist… (Page 1256)” With the promise of a gentleman caller, it is foreshadowed that the future holds promise of adventure. Adventure lies not only in the fact that the caller will be coming the next day which required many hasty preparations, but also in that the caller had no knowledge of Laura. Most importantly, adventure is foreshadowed in the idea that the caller will open new doors of possibility for the family. In this statement of foreshadowing above, the reader cannot assume that the caller’s visit will lead to marriage, but the reader can hope that love might someday be possible for Laura. Additionally, the reader can infer that the future for both Amanda and Tom will also be filled with adventure as the caller would be a source of security for the family if everything worked as Amanda hoped and proposed. Tom sees this adventure most clearly as he dreams of leaving the family as his father did to pursue his own real adventure that inspires him in the movies.

Although the reader cannot fully know what lies ahead, one can infer that the next pages of the play will be full of adventure. From the adventure to love to that of pursuing dreams, the play promises change. In a memory of the past, the future is foreshadowed.  

The Glass Menagerie- Scene 3 and 4

The Glass Menagerie

By: Tennessee Williams

A common literary element within The Glass Menagerie is the use of motifs to unify new ideas to a theme. Such motifs are presented through the reference to adventure by movie viewing, drama as in music, and loneliness as a result of being left alone and deserted. Most prevalent however, is the motif of the gentleman caller as a theme of hope and love.

“Like some archetype of the universal conscious, the image of the gentleman caller haunted our small apartment…(1244)”  The focus of the memory and story told by Tom Winfield is of the expectation of a gentleman caller for Laura Wingfield, his sister. The gentleman caller becomes a recurring image used throughout the novel to symbolize hope of Laura’s marriage which would free the family. For Tom, the gentleman caller represents his freedom to no longer be responsible for the care of the family, but to be free to pursue his dream of adventure. For Amanda, Tom’s and Laura’s mother, the gentleman caller represents security for her children. For Laura, the gentleman caller is a source of uncertain hope and potential love. For the reader, the gentleman caller is a source of mysterious companionship. As an entity, however, the gentleman caller was an image of purpose and solution as explained in the excerpt “An evening at home rarely passed without some allusion to this image, this specter, this hope…(Page 1244)”

The gentleman caller was one of the most powerful motifs presented within the play. It represented and connected the idea of love to adventure, safety, and hope. Thus, the gentleman caller became a motif of the play.

The Glass Menagerie- Scene 1 and 2

The Glass Menagerie

By: Tennessee Williams

The Glass Menagerie, written by Tennessee Williams, is a story of memories. It is the tale of the past of Tom Wingfield and his family and is characterized by anecdotes and recounts of old times. It is in drawing form the past, however, that the future of the characters is formed.

“What are we going to do, what is going to become of us, what is the future (Page 1241)?” Throughout the first two scenes, the characters ask many rhetorical questions similar to the one presented above to present inner personal conflicts as well as relationship conflicts. In the beginning of the play, the idea that the future is tied to the past is presented as Mama recounts the story of her youth to encourage Laura to pursue the idea of finding a husband. Conflict arises though as Laura internally struggles with her physical disability which she sees as a weakness that no man could ever love. Externally Laura also struggles as she becomes disconnected with her mother who worries constantly about the future, especially Laura’s future, as she learns that Laura has left Rubicam’s Business College and been deceiving the family.  The rhetorical questions also present themes within the story such as deception (“You did all this to deceive me, just for deception (Page 1243)?) and reality (“Amuse ourselves with the glass menagerie, darling (Page 1243)?”). As the story progresses, the reader also develops their own rhetorical questions about the themes and symbols presented like examining the importance of acceptance, the value of love, and the meaning of the glass menagerie.  

Through simple questions that often have no required answer, conflicts, impacts, and themes can be analyzed. Just as in the quote concerning the future, the reader too is challenged to think more deeply about the conflicts of the novel. In stepping back into the past with the Wingfield family, Tom's memory comes to life. 

Family Unit- The Joy of Cooking

The Joy of Cooking

By: Elaine Magarrell

In The Joy of Cooking by Elaine Magarrell, symbolism fills the poem with illustrations and imagery. In analyzing the poem, each stanza appears to represent a different symbol and present a different idea. The first stanza’s main focus is of the narrator’s sister’s tongue. Described as rough and course, the tongue serves as a symbol of the sister’s personality and qualities. These qualities personify and characterize the sister as orderly (“neat”) and determined (“economical-it probably will grow back”), yet perhaps undesirable (“gristle”).

The second stanza presents and describes the brother’s heart which additionally serves as a symbol of the brother’s personality. The heart is described by the narrator through the statement, “It resembles muscle more than organ meat and needs an apple-onion stuffing to make it interesting at all (Lines 11-14).” This statement presents the brother as an undesirable and dull acquaintance. The brother is additionally personified and described as boring (“dull”) yet “firm” and having a small personality (“barely feeds two”).

Through the use of such symbolism as the tongue and heart, Magarrell personifies the characters of the poem. She uses vivid descriptions to create a humorous and amusing tone that holds bitterness towards the siblings. In forming vivid images of a strange cooking concoction, the author portrays the power of symbols.

Family Unit- Edward

Edward

By: Anonymous

Repetition, although at times mundane, provides and emphasizes meanings that might have otherwise been overlooked. Rhythmically defining each line, the anonymous author uses rhythm throughout the poem, Edward, by repeating names, questions, and actions. From the repetition, the reader gains a more clear understanding of the poem itself and is able to analyze, through the slight and subtle changes, the most influential and important aspects of the piece.

“For here nevermore must I be, O…For them nevermore will I see, O (Line 40, Line 48).” Through the repetition of key words such as “nevermore” in the previous phrases from two sections of the poem, the poem progresses. Initially beginning as a story full of mystery, Edward is presented as a brave noble who has slain some threat. Yet, as the poem progresses and through slight subtle changes in mostly similar phrases which are repeated, it is revealed that perhaps the characters are not who they initially seem. Through further development, the reader learns that Edward in truth has murdered his own father and must flee. Selfishly, he plans to do nothing to care for his family which is a quality he attributes to his mother. Thus, as a result of slight changes in repeated key phrases, the poem develops from a simple story of nobility to the greatest downfall of man. 

Family Unit- The Drunkard

The Drunkard

By: Frank O'Connor

In many literary works, ideas and objects are contrasted to draw attention to a focus point or

Drunkard. In this short story, Larry, the young son, acts both as a hero and a victim of alcohol.  In unintentionally preventing “The Drunkard’s Progress” for his father, Larry himself becomes the victim of the power of alcohol as he experiences its binding influence and become intoxicated. Yet, by keeping his father from drinking, he defeats alcohol’s powers over others by preventing them from drinking. Through this contrast of results, the idea of Larry as “drunkard” and “guardian angel” are juxtaposed. While the mother initially saw her son as a “drunken  corner-boy,” she also addresses him as his father’s guardian angel stating “My brave little man…You were his guardian angel (Page 351).” This juxtaposition illustrates the power of contrast as a literary technique. For, through the juxtaposition, a theme of unintentional actions leading to good results is presented. Attention is thus drawn from the initial idea of blaming the father to a focus on thanking the son. 

Family Unit- A Warn Path

A Worn Path

By: Eudora Welty

Allusions arise in culture and history, connecting the past to the present. From literature to poems or plays and even everyday life, allusions become references and connections. Like two arms, separate but united, allusions connect elements of literature.

In the short story, A Worn Path, the author, Eudora Welty makes allusions to both culture and history. The focus of the story, the path and journey of Phoenix Jackson, illustrates and alludes to the famous “path” of love and life. Just as life’s path is full of challenges and rough terrain, so to is Phoenix’s path as she must overcome daunting woods, cross narrow logs, and travel through cotton fields, corn mazes, and down seemingly endless roads. Additionally, life is full of encounters both mental and physical like the illusion of the boy, buzzard, scarecrow, quail, and dog that Phoenix confronts on her journey to the town. Other allusions in the piece include Pheonix’s own name. Just as the mythical phoenix arises from ashes, Phoenix arises from her age and completes the daunting journey to obtain the medicine for her grandson. Like the bird which serves as a symbol of perseverance, Phoenix displays personal determination as described by the man she meets who states, “You must be a hundred years old, and scared of nothing (Page 227).”

While allusions do not directly address outside references, they create a connection both within a work and between a reader and literary piece. Allusions provide a greater meaning and expand upon ideas presented. Thus, allusions connect the past to the present and literature to culture and history. 

Family Unit- Once Upon a Time

Once Upon a Time

By: Nadine Gordimer

Simple writing and literary pieces can at times possess the greatest messages. Nadine Gordimer uses such a technique in her short story, Once Upon a Time, to satirize culture and society. In telling a fairytale story of a seemingly happy and perfectly protected family, Gordimer presents the idea that obsessive precautions can lead to the undesired outcome which one attempts to avoid.

The family, well-off and safely insured in nearly every possible way works diligently throughout the whole story to build-up and establish the most intruder-proof protection imaginable and available. Yet, their attempts to protect the family leads ultimately to harm as the young son, in acting out a story of his own, falls upon the iron bars of the “dragon teeth” placed to keep intruders out. This ironic conclusion to the bedtime story satirizes the idea that society attempts to make itself “comfortable” and “safe,” but that at times these attempts are so obsessive and unlimited that they lead to the opposite result.  This idea is additionally satirized by the narrator themself in the introduction as the narrator states “I couldn’t find a position in which my mind would let go of my body. So I began to tell myself a bedtime story (Page 232).” Fearing an intruder in their house and attempting to make oneself feel “comfortable” and “safe,” the narrator tells themself a fairytale whose ending ironically would only provide worse nightmares. Thus, the idea that society is at times is own enemy is presented fully both within and as a result of the story.  

A Raisin in the Sun-Act 3

A Raisin in the Sun

By: Lorraine Hansberry

In the play, A Raisin in the Sun, many of society’s timeless dilemmas are addressed and presented. From the moral issue of racism to the individual struggle of dreams, Hansberry fully encompasses the challenges of each. Named after a poem of questions, the play provides answers. For, as Joseph Asagai states, “I LIVE THE ANSWER (Page 522)!”

The powerful quote which comes at both a trivial and conclusive point in the play, for me represents the paramount idea of personal power to do and achieve anything. As the play tells of a true family and their struggles, the masterpiece also reveals a solution to such problems of unachieved dreams and daily burdens. The play suggests that the past is a “point of no return” in which life can never be the same, but it also suggests that the future is unwritten with no predestination or limits. Although financial barricades and material limits may hinder forward progress, dreams depend upon personal determination and freedom. Through the symbolism of Mama’s plant which gains the spotlight of the last few lines of the play, such an idea is fully established. For, the plant which is grown in a poor environment grows strong and steady by its determination and Mama’s care. Additionally, the plant represents Mama’s dream of gardening, temporarily fulfilling her hope and goal.

By confronting the idea that dreams are always growing and goals of one generation only lead to new aspirations for the next, new roots of possibilities sprout. While dreams can be a hindrance and burden if left unachieved or forgotten,  they can also be a source of inspiration and hope to persevere with new and greater determination. Timelessly, dreams live on. 

A Raisin in the Sun-Act 2

A Raisin in the Sun

By: Lorraine Hansberry

“Well that’s the way the cracker crumbles (512).” Just as in this humorous and clever pun, Lorraine Hansberry uses irony throughout the entirety of the play to address social issues. In this wise statement by Beneatha in reference to Karl Lindner, the tension between races is addressed. Additionally, the statement becomes ironic and represents the separation of generations as it presents the changing attitude of African-Americans who have begun to see that their fight is no longer simply for freedom, but rights.

Irony is additionally presented throughout the work in various other ways. In the title, A Raisin in the Sun, Hansberry presents the theme of unachieved dreams and there effect on the dreamer. For, just as a grape dries in the sun to become a crinkled and depleted raisin, so to do dreams that have been forgotten. One such dream is the American dream which ironically is best understood and visualized by the one non-American in the play, Joseph Asagai. As the others begin to lose hope in achieving success and building a better life, Asagai reminds them of their freedom and that their dreams existed before the money. Asagai points out that there dreams are still achievable even if all money is lost. Money in how it is perceived to be gained additionally becomes a representation of irony in itself as Walter thinks that wealth can only be gained from graft and, resolutely, loses all wealth to graft.

From social references to individual challenges, Hansberry uses irony to present the themes of the novel with a humorous twist. Through puns and irony, the tone of the play develops a lighter touch but maintains seriousness in addressing prevalent issues. “That’s the way the cookie crumbles.”

A Raisin in the Sun-Act 2

A Raisin in the Sun

By: Lorraine Hansberry

As Marty Rubin once said, “Time does not pass, it continues.” From the end of Act I to the beginning of Act II, time has not simply passed, but continued. In Scene I of Act II, time, both in the sense of minutes and years, is reflected in the character of George Murchison.

In this section, George serves as a powerful symbol of the changes in time. A member of a wealthy African-American family, George is the cornucopia of Walter’s and many other aspiring African-Americans’ dreams. He illustrates success in the financial world as well as social as he is not only wealthy in terms of money, but education as well. George serves a symbol of a new generation in which freedoms and opinions are expressed openly as he and Beneatha openly argue about the meaning of assimilation and heritage. In George’s interaction with Walter when he states, “Good night Prometheus,” time is further unbound as the reader is drawn back and connected to Greek Mythology and the Titan god, Prometheus, who had been restrained by chains. This allegory illustrates the idea that Walter is restrained by his unachieved dreams as he is jealous of George’s success and blames others for his own failures. In the pursuit of dreams, time becomes free and open as past aspirations live on within the characters affecting and controlling their futures. Mama’s dream of a house with a garden lives on with her influencing what she does with the money. Time becomes influential in character’s actions and their involvement in the plot as Walter’s business absence shifts the story. Over time, stories change as scenes pass by. 

A Raisin in the Sun-Act 1 Scene 2

A Raisin in the Sun

By: Lorraine Hansberry

“Once upon a time freedom used to be life-now its money. I guess the world really do change (475).” In Mama’s brief anecdote, the gravity of the plot and circumstances of the family become more visible. No longer is there playful teasing, but serious arguing. In the beginning of the scene, the family is working together as one unit to complete chores and together they open the check and admire it with awe. Yet, the money slowly draws out and presents negativity and conflict within the family as love, wants, and dreams clash.

Through Mama’s anecdote about the past, the idea of money as life is presented illustrating and characterizing the changes of times as well as Mama herself.  The anecdote illustrates the separation of generations by values and communication as Mama struggles to understand the family’s focus and sacrifice for money when only generations before the family had focused and sacrificed for freedom. This change in times becomes a central aspect of the play as Hansberry dramatizes and challenges the new social values. Hansberry warns against the pressures money can impose as Mama tells Walter about Ruth’s pregnancy and warns him that Ruth might try to rid herself of the baby to protect the family from financial burden.  The burden of money additionally influences the power and success of dreams as finances begin to limit and replace the freedom to hope. As illustrated by the characters once the insurance money arrived, dreams can be inhibited by financial concerns and thoughts as such limit the size of one’s dream and the achievability of the dream.  From a story of the past, can come details of the future. 

A Raisin in the Sun- Act 1

A Raisin in the Sun

By: Lorraine Hansberry

In a time of dreams and hopes, growth and development, and new found freedoms and opportunities, culture reflects the change of time. Through Act One Scene One of the play, A Raisin in the Sun, Lorraine Hansberry reflects the changes of society in the story of the Younger family. As a result of diction and dialect, characterization develops and a plot about dreams develops.

 “Seem like God didn’t see fit to give black man nothing but dreams... (Hansberry, Page 453)” In thirteen simple words, Hansberry provides valuable clues about the setting and characters of the play. Based upon the literary technique of dialect as used in the phrase, “to give black man nothing but dreams,” the reader can infer that the speaker is a less educated person as the phrase has poor grammatical structure. This thus implies that  the Younger family might be of middle to lower social class. The setting profoundly impacts not only the story plot, but also the individual characters. In the first scene of the play, the reader is introduced to each character and their personal dreams. From Ruth’s dream of a house and stability, to Beneatha’s of becoming a doctor and liberating the oppressed, and even Walter’s of simply living like Mr. Arnold, each character has a dream towards which they are striving. The setting however impacts all of these characters as money becomes an inhibitor and divider within the home. For Ruth, Beneatha, and Walter, the need for money to support the family causes them to work tirelessly in the hopes of someday achieving their dreams. They work to adjust to their lower education and lack of money by remaining hopeful, particularly of the prospect of the $10,000 insurance check that is expected to arrive soon, and working harder.

Dialect and the way one communicates ideas reflects aspects of a person’s character and setting. It provides clues into one’s background, culture, and   personality. Hansberry uses dialect to illustrate the challenges that the characters must overcome such as poverty to prevent the “raisin” from drying “in the sun.”