The glass menagerie universal themes

What is a comment on society that is often a criticism?

Social commentary

Man is by instinct a lover, a hunter, a fighter and none of those instincts are given much play at the warehouse." - Tom, Scene 4

Social commentary: many 9-5's become monotonous and dont make use of mans talents Frustration= no purpose Universal theme: people need a purpose to thrive

People go to the movies instead of moving! Hollywood actors are supposed to have all the adventures for everybody in America, while everybody in America sits in a dark room and watches them have them! Yes, until there's war. That's when adventure becomes available to the masses." Tom, Scene 6

Social commentary: people during the depression went to the movies instead of doing something to improve their situation Universal theme: all escape is temporary. Total escape is impossible

What is there left but dependency all our lives? I know so well what becomes of unmarried women who aren't prepared to occupy a position. I've seen such pitiful cases in the South - barely tolerated spinsters living on the grudging patronage of sister's husband or brother's wife! - stuck away in some little mousetrap of a room - encouraged by one in-law to visit another - little birdlike women without any nest - eating the crust of humility all their life!" - Amanda, Scene 2

Social commentary: society at this time limited women to dependency on men Universal theme: one must accept her own reality and prepare for the future

But the wonderfullest trick of all was the coffin trick. We nailed him into a coffin and he got out of the coffin without removing one nail. There is a trick that would come in handy for me - get me out of this two-by-four situation!" - Tom, Scene 4

Tom's 2 by 4 situation = the apartment Tom does not realize that he is not a magician. Universal Theme: escape is impossible, all actions/decisions have consequences, he cant just be a magician and escape his house

Yes, I have tricks in my pocket. I have things up my sleeve. But I am the opposite of a stage magician. He gives you illusion that has the appearance of truth. I give truth in the pleasant disguise of illusion." - Tom, Scene 1

Truth is too grin Tom makes the truth more appealing. Universal Theme: Some realities are so awful that they must be covered up with illusion; however, one must eventually find reality.

He (Jim) is the most realistic character in the play, being an emissary from a world of reality we were somehow set apart from. But since I have a poet's weakness for symbols, I am using this character also as a symbol; he is the long-delayed but always expected something that we live for." - Tom, Scene 1

Universal Theme ○ Some people wait around for an "easy fix" or solution instead of making change.

For nowadays the world is lit by lightning! Blow out you candles, Laura - and so goodbye . . . " - Tom, Scene 7

Universal Theme ○ You must face reality. ○ You can't run from your problems.

What are ideas about the nature of all men and women or about the relationship of human beings to each other or to the universe?

Universal theme

Why, you're not crippled, you just have a little defect, hardly noticeable, even! When people have some disadvantage like that, they cultivate other things to make up for it - develop charm - and vivacity - and - charm! - Amanda, Scene 2

Amanda knows Laura is crippled, yet she attempts to keep Laura from facing/accepting her reality. Universal Theme: It's impossible to avoid reality.

Oh Laura, Laura, I tried to leave you behind me, but I am more faithful than I intended to be!" - Tom, Scene 7

His departure was false He lacks self knowledge Universal Theme ○ We can't deny our basic human condition (our feelings). To deny it is to deny reality.

What is the controlling idea or central message of a literal work?

Theme