Characterization in The Glass Menagerie Essay -- Tennessee Williams

Tennessee Williams The wish-wash Menagerie makes use of the characters to not only show a reputation but to also tell a story. Characterization is how characters are re array and the ways in which this is accomplished, such as, how an author limits ones responses, questions or observations, for instance. An author may also characterize a character with his or her gestures or speeches. The idea of characterization and how one characters actions may enlighten audiences to issues surrounding another character is brilliantly illustrated by Williams in his The spyglass Menagerie.On the surface of the play the issues present search to be rooted in the fact that Laura is crippled and unwed, however, upon further trial run it is seen that thither are other deeper issues. Williams writes in his production notes that this is a repositing play (1041). What is interesting about The Glass Menagerie is the point of whose keeping the audience is exposed to. Tom acts as the protagonist because it is his memory that audiences must trust, as the narrator in addition to being the man of the theatre of operations in the absence of his father.As the play progresses we see the relationship and conversations in the midst of Tom and his mother Amanda. In this we see Amandas character (not the actor) as overbearing, fantastical and controlling. Upon further assessment of Amandas character audiences may relent to the fact that she is these things while acknowledging a more admirable facet to her character. As pointed out in a lecture by Dr. Pearl McHaney there are lines in the play in which it is evident that Amanda is trying to lamb her children. For example, in Scene four during a conversation between Amanda and Tom, Amanda confides, Ive never told yo... ...point in that the title of the play is The Glass Menagerie. This title does present different ideas and themes such as, the idea of the family being so fragile. The menagerie is fair on the out side but easily broken much alike the family. They have hidden secrets and fears. However, when one examines the story through a lens of the eye focused on characterization and how each character is depicted a conclusion may be drawn that the title serves as a hint for audiences to pay closer attention to Laura as she is the one just about closely connected to the menagerie.Works CitedMcHaney, Pearl A. Lecture on The Glass Menagerie. Engl 3860-American Drama. Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA. 20 June 2006.Williams, Tennessee. The Glass Menagerie. 1945. The Bedford Introduction to Drama. 5th ed. lee side A. Jacobus, ed. Boston Bedford/St. Martins, 2005. 1041-1069.