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A review by mlliu
The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams
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.