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emilia___'s review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Racial slurs
lexi_reads_books's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
rachelkretzer's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
dorothy_dickerson's review against another edition
5.0
I read this with my daughter, who was assigned to read it for her American Lit class. It worked for me, since I've long been wanting to read it anyway. My only problem is that it seems they were rushed through the play, reading several acts and then ... doing whatever they had to do in class for it. I'll probably read it again on my own just to savor it.
I've seen the play before and as we read those familiar scenes my heart broke all over again. Tennessee Williams' window inside a well-meaning but dysfunctional family is beautifully heart-breaking. It left me worrying what will happen to Laura, though I have a good idea. A must read.
I've seen the play before and as we read those familiar scenes my heart broke all over again. Tennessee Williams' window inside a well-meaning but dysfunctional family is beautifully heart-breaking. It left me worrying what will happen to Laura, though I have a good idea. A must read.
elenabass's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mlliu's review against another edition
I'm not even sure how to rate this. I know of this as a classic play, but I haven't read many plays beyond Shakespeare in school. I was actually curious to pick this up after reading a book on the artist Joseph Cornell, [b:Joseph Cornell: Master of Dreams|905201|Joseph Cornell Master of Dreams|Diane Waldman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1400527718l/905201._SX50_.jpg|890347], as the author made a reference to the similarity between Cornell's life and the lives of the characters in The Glass Menagerie.
Anyway, the mother in the play, Amanda, reminded me of Mrs. Bennett in Pride and Prejudice. She's overbearing to the point of being stereotypical, even if her heart's in the right place. The son and daughter are equally tragic characters, the son stuck in a menial job to support his family and the daughter a shut-in because of severe anxiety. Apparently the play is somewhat autobiographical. It's a very quick read, and I'd like to see how contemporary productions have updated it.
Anyway, the mother in the play, Amanda, reminded me of Mrs. Bennett in Pride and Prejudice. She's overbearing to the point of being stereotypical, even if her heart's in the right place. The son and daughter are equally tragic characters, the son stuck in a menial job to support his family and the daughter a shut-in because of severe anxiety. Apparently the play is somewhat autobiographical. It's a very quick read, and I'd like to see how contemporary productions have updated it.
marlo42's review against another edition
4.0
This is a solid play, that is not quite Tennessee Williams' best work. While I still prefer Streetcar, this one has some qualities that play does not, such as more weighty emotional center.
That center comes from Laura, a wonderfully written character whose conversation with Jim was my personal favorite portion of the play - it just had this wonderful current running through it, like it was something real - not some creation of a playwright.
I will say that some of the explosive interactions between Tom and Amanda lacked that same current of realism, which detracted from my enjoyment of the play slightly. That being said, they were still extremely enjoyable - just not quite as good as the play's peaks to me.
All in all, a good read. If you're into theater, it's probably an essential one - but I would check out some of Williams' other work before you read this one (just to get a taste for his style). If you enjoyed Streetcar or Cat on a Hot Tin Roof then you'll probably enjoy this one as well.
That center comes from Laura, a wonderfully written character whose conversation with Jim was my personal favorite portion of the play - it just had this wonderful current running through it, like it was something real - not some creation of a playwright.
I will say that some of the explosive interactions between Tom and Amanda lacked that same current of realism, which detracted from my enjoyment of the play slightly. That being said, they were still extremely enjoyable - just not quite as good as the play's peaks to me.
All in all, a good read. If you're into theater, it's probably an essential one - but I would check out some of Williams' other work before you read this one (just to get a taste for his style). If you enjoyed Streetcar or Cat on a Hot Tin Roof then you'll probably enjoy this one as well.
katjacatbeans's review against another edition
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0