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.