The Glass Menagerie

After reading the first five scenes of “The Glass Menagerie,” Tom’s double role as narrator and main character is quite conflicting at times. As narrator, he sometimes addresses the audience directly; providing an in-depth explanation and assessment of what’s occurring on stage. Yet, in the same breath demonstrates genuine emotions caused by his mother and feelings of confinement as he takes part in the action of the play as well. This double role sometimes frustrates my understanding  of Tom’s character because I’m not entirely sure if he’s playing the narrator whose judgement can be trusted, or if he’s playing the character  who would let his emotions interfere and over-ride his judgement.  Despite this confusion, it’s evident how Amanda is trying to control every aspect of Tom’s life.

  The first scenario encountered was in the beginning of the play on page 6, when Amanda is trying to tell Tom how to eat his food. She says, “Chew. Don't push with your fingers. Chew. Chew!” Tom then proceeds to exclaim how he “hasn’t enjoyed one bite of the dinner because of her constant directions”(page 6.) This gives insight into Tom and Amanda’s relationship early in the play. This shows how Amanda is so cavil and demanding  that the family can’t even enjoy a quiet, peaceful meal due to her constantly directing and controlling her children.             

Then again on page 21, Amanda shows her habitual controlling habits once again when she confiscates Toms books because she considered them “hideous”. This demonstrates how Amanda is only accepting of her children’s hobbies if they are benefiting  to her. She gives absolutely no regard to Tom’s dreams and aspirations of adventure because he wouldn’t be fulfilling his position of breadwinner at the family table if he went off and did what pleases him most. That’s why Tom aspires to be like the magician from the magic show. He would love to escape the confinement of the coffin that is portrayed as his house without removing and damaging any nails that lay within; ultimately showing that he wants to keep his family together but is desperate to escape his mother’s controlling grasp.

I chose this picture to incorporate in the blog because it is a great representation of how the characters in the written play would act in a live production. Just from this image alone, students can asses the personality of all three characters. Amanda, who is always hovering over Toms shoulder and is extremely demanding is hunched over and is placing her hand on the table as if in an agitated manner giving one of those "mom talks." Tom on the other hand looks as if hes barely listening to her and could care less about what shes saying. Then there's Laura who isnt engaged in the conversation at all but looks very timid, shy and anxious. By her demeanor alone, you can tell shes not like her other family members.