"The Glass Menagerie" by Tennesse Williams; essay on symbols in setting.

"The Glass Menagerie", by Tennessee Williams, is a play that has captured the hearts of Americans for numerous generations. The simple hopefulness of its characters is shown through the obvious but intricate use of symbols. Williams, just like his narrator,Tom, is a poet with a "weakness for symbols". Four main elements of setting are used as symbols in this play; the fire escape, the glass unicorn, the photograph of Mr. Wingfield, and the warehouse …

…Glass Menagerie", by Tennessee Williams, is hopefully optimistic but in the end a futile dream. Tom cannot let go emotionally of Laura, and by leaving Amanda and Laura have no way out. Williams "truth in the pleasant disguise of illusion" is as exciting and insightful today as it was when it was first performed in 1944. It is a great American play that will continue to enthrall readers for many generations with its symbolism and style.