In the play "The Glass Managerie" by Tennessee Williams, symbolism is a primary factor in representing escape. The protagonist, Tom, and his sister, Laura, are both linked symbolically to something that represents their freedom. Tom's escape is shown through his obsession with the movies, which provides him with a sense of adventure, something of which he claims he has none of. Laura's escape is represented in her glass managerie and the time and effort she puts forth into it and the fire escape is a representation of both of their freedoms.In the play "The Glass Managerie" Tom lives a very boring and routine lifestyle. He lives and supports both his sister and mother by working ...view middle of the document...
Although Tom is able to find an escape from the troubles he is not alone in this situation.Laura is a very shy and timid girl that secludes herself from the outside world. She avoids going out in public and uses her glass collection as and escape. There is one piece of glass that is her favorite, and it also possesses special meaning. She speaks of this one being her favorite because it is very different from the others. It is a glass unicorn and it is a perfect representation of Laura being very different from the norm. Although, when the gentlemen caller comes over and accidentally breaks its horn off, Laura says "Now its just like all the other horses" (Williams, Scene seven, Page 86). This shows she has escaped her feeling of being different and it is done through this glass unicorn. Laura, like Tom has a hard time dealing with the constant nagging of her mother to go out and meet gentlemen so she will have the opportunity to be wed some day, so her glass collection helps avoid confrontation with her mother. You can tell that Laura's glass collection is very important to her and takes a lot of her time when she says "I don't do anything " much. Oh, please don't think I sit around doing nothing! My glass collection takes up a good deal of time. Glass is something you have to take good care of" (Williams, Scene Seven, Page 81). Laura uses this collection of glass to escape the harsh realities of her world. Although this symbolizes her escape she also has another in which she shares with Tom.The last object that symbolizes release holds great importance to both...