3. The Glass Menagerie

The Glass Menagerie
Tennessee Williams

I addressed the leaving of Mr. Wingfield in the previous post briefly, but what I wanted to point out is the importance of the absent father in the play. The mere fact that a picture of the father is hung over everything that occurs on stage is a sure indicator that he still has great influence over everything that occurs in the Wingfield home. Tom, when his father left, took on the role of the provider in the home, a tiresome position, especially while working at the warehouse, where he is miserable. He acknowledges his need to free himself from the situation, and recognizes that he may turn out like his father, "'You know it don't take much intelligence to get yourself into a nailed-up coffin, Laura. But who in hell ever got himself out of one without removing the nail?' (As if in answer, the father's grinning photograph lights up)" (Williams, 1249). He undeniably identifies with his father, even after the pain he caused his mother.