copyright 1999, Sirpa Grierson

"Family and psyche in The Glass Menagerie" Scanlan, Tom. Twentieth Century Interpretations of the Glass Menagerie. Ed. R.B. Parker. N.J.: Prentice Hall, 1983. 96-108. In this insightful essay Scanlan shares his thoughts on how Williams created a dysfunctional family life that Williams paints in a negative one, it is nevertheless a realistic one. The idea that Williams bring us, "the full 'pleasures' of family nostalgia and suffering," is set forth by Scanlan. He addresses the use of humor and comic relief in the family situation, bringing to light these and other various techniques Williams uses to enable readers to be able to identify and somewhat sympathize with the characters. Florida State English Education Webquest Elisha, Jae. 16 Aug. 2001. 16 Oct. 2001. http://www.fsu.edu/~CandI/ENGLISH/feedback.htm A detailed description of a term project dealing with The Glass Menagerie is to be found on this page. The assignment on the web page takes a look at Laura's physical, social, and psychological problems and explains how students should address these issues in the creation of a term paper. Detailed description of what is expected of the students' writings is found on this site as well as the point categories. Pertinent websites are also included that discuss the types of problems Laura has (i.e. anxiety disorder, introversion, etc.), websites that would be helpful for the students to use when writing their papers. Teach with Movies Frieden, James A. and Deborah Elliott, eds. http://www.teachwithmovies.org/guides/glass-menagerie.html If you want to know about a film that is appropriate for junior and high school students, check out this web page. The movie rating (PG) is listed for The Glass Menagerie, as are the actors, and possible ethical viewing probleoms (i.e. smoke and alcohol is used). Helpful background information is included on this homepage as well as discussion questions appropriate for class discussions after (and during) the viewing of this film. "Tennessee Williams' Gallery of Feminine Characters" Ponte, Durant DA. Critical Essays on Tennessee Williams. Ed. Robert A. Martin. New York: G.K. Hall, 1997. 259-275. In this essay ponte compares and contrasts the feminine characters found in Williams' writings. Specifically with his reference to The Glass Menagerie, Ponte leads readers to better understand the characters of Amanda and Laura Wingfield. These two characters' interactions are analyzed, clearly setting forth how Amanda is a combination of "exaggerated gentility on one hand," and "exasperating practicality on the other hand." This essay is helpful in accurately explaining the characterization of these two women characters, as well as giving a broad overview of Williams' other women characters. "Tennessee Williams; Unicorn Broken Again" Debusscher, Gilbert. Modern Critical Interpretations The Glass Menagerie. Ed. Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea House, 1988: 47-57. Debusscher delves into the symbolism apparent in Williams' play as represented by the unicorn that breaks during the interaction between Jim and Laura. He explains how this symbol of freakishness subtly permeates the play. He analyzes why Laura does not keep the broken unicorn, concluding that when she gives it up to Jime she, "obliquely gives up all hope of ever being the normal girl it now represents." This idea is extensively well thought out and well presented in this essay. "The Glass Menagerie: A Black 'Cinderella'" Lees, Daniel E. UNISA English Studies 11-12. (1973-1974): 30-34. Lees does an incredible job of revealing the parallels and contrasts to be found when comparing The Glass Menagerie to the story of Cinderella. Everything from belief systems, (i.e. things will "magically" happen), music, and types of relationships are addressed in this essay. Lees draws on the fact that, "Williams has infused his play with symbolic elements from the fairy tale," to help readers better understand this text and the symbolic elements from the fairy tale," to help readers better understand this text and the way it relates to Cinderella, thus creating a text-to-text connection. "'Through Soundproof Glass': The Prison of Self-Consciousness" Levy, Eric P. Modern Drama 36 (1993): 529-537. Levy straightforwardly explains how a "prison of self-consciousness," controls the Wingfield family. Even the very walls of their ghetto home contain glass that is "soundproof." These walls prevent Amanda, Tom, and Laura from realistically perceiving the world around them. Levy explains that even when characters go outside of the actual physical home that contains the prison walls, the negative influence is still felt. Levy ultimately argues that there is no way for the Wingfields to escape the influence of the walls and the self-consciousness that they represent. Williams Link Page Classic Notes by Grade Saver. 2001. 16 Oct. 2001 http://www.novelguides.com/ClassicNotes/sources/menagerie.html On this site you will find informatiion that gives a summary of each of the scenes found in The Glass Menagerie. Not only are summaries included, but well-thought out analyses for each scene are posted on this site as well, giving insight as to why the characters act the way they do. This is a helpful site for a quick review of the play and the main points contained in each scene. A character list is also included.

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