Beyond Themes and Plots

(The Glass Menagerie, Tennessee Williams)

The emotions and characters of this work are timeless and predictable. They can be found in other works and are easy to figure out However, while being predictable is less interesting, this element allows the characters to be relatable to the reader. Each character can become personal and impacting. Amanda is more than a nagging and old-fashion mother, she is also someone that has been heart-broken and holds fears for her children. Beyond an exterior of shyness and lacking self-confidence, Laura is a coy and patient woman willing to work with the flaws of the people she loves. This is shown as she patiently listens to her mother and accepts her brother's independence. Tom appears to only be a selfish and independent soul, but one cannot bypass his efforts to get his sister a suitor as well as his overall remembrance and care for his family by creating this memory play. In short, the characters of this play and any play should be considered for more than what their character description offers. Characters should be analyzed as much as the themes and plot of a work.