Wednesday, October 3, 2012

1. The Glass Menagerie

The Glass Menagerie
Tennessee Williams

What strikes me as interesting, is the way Tom addresses the audience directly. I was surprised with his brutal honesty. By addressing the stage direction, the violinist backstage, and his appearance playing the role of Tom, and the narrator, it is obvious that he has nothing to hide. "I give you truth in the pleasant disguise of illusion" (Williams, 1236). Tom, and the author seemingly have nothing to hide. This structure and insight into Tom makes me feel like I know him, like we're good pals, and like I know something that Amanda and Laura don't. Also, I find it pleasantly truthful that he addresses his bias, as he informs the audience that they are his memories that are being replayed. Another observation I made within the first pages, was his "weakness for symbols", he outlines the symbols in the play from the beginning, specifically the symbolism of the gentleman caller. This is an interesting way to open a play.

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