Persuasion and Self-Deception in Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie

ABSTRACT 

"The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Willaims is a dramatic portrayal of the harsh realities of modern life. The drama depicts the monetary hardships and social changes that occurred in the years after the Great Depression ended. Additionally, the play explores the aftereffects of WWII by looking at the stresses and worries that characterized that era. The drama follows a southern family as they desperately try to escape reality once their fantasies are crushed. Williams' deft use of symbols gives the work depth and allows for many readings. Williams makes use of the glass menagerie to symbolize the broken lives of Amanda, Laura, and Tom Wingfield, and their inability to function in the modern world. The family's overwhelming want to hold on to their past and conquer their dread of being alone are symbolized by the glass menagerie.They want to get away from the impoverished neighborhood where they live so badly that they engage in deceitful fantasies and fantasies about themselves.So Williams makes an attempt in this play to convince people to free themselves from their own self-deception by returning to spiritual principles. He hopes that this would allow them to acquire pleasure and satisfaction in their lives, but the characters in the play are unable to accomplish this goal.