A review by alienslayyerxx
The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams

challenging emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I decided to read "The Glass Menagerie," again, as an ode to the past decade. When you work in or study theatre, it seems as though this play follows you - and for good reason. It's an excellent work of fiction with an autobiographical element that leaves you wanting more. The juxtaposition between the nostalgia that burdens Amanda to the dreams that propel Tom forward seems more apparent to me now. I have always felt an emotional connection to Tom. Nothing changed as I was rooting for him. He deserved to choose himself. I believe Amanda embodies the past, and Laura embodies the present. To me, she is the anchor that could prevent Tom from pursuing his future. She's also a reminder of what happens when you're afraid to live. When fear holds you back from recognizing your true potential. Tom is the future. Willing to risk steady employment for a dream of adventure, no matter the cost, which seems to be missing his sister. I'll never forget having a professor in college, who was the first and only person to ever perceive Tom as an antagonist who left his family for dead. That was my reason for visiting the play after all these years, to get a new perspective. To see if I still liked it. I truly love this play and encourage anyone who enjoys reading plays or short stories to ignore the groaning from people who said they had to read it in school and focus on the impact of the story. Why does it continue to be analyzed nearly 80 years later? It's as thought-provoking as it is relatable. You can see yourself or people you know in these characters. It's truly a work of art.