Illusion vs. Reality in Tennessee Williams The Glass...

Illusion vs. Reality in Tennessee Williams The Glass Menagerie The Glass Menagerie, by Tennessee Williams, contains multiple themes. While there are many themes, the theme that holds the piece together is illusion versus reality. This theme is established very quickly, In fact, the first paragraph of the play describes the illusions to take place, But I am the opposite of a stage musician. He gives you illusion that has the appearance of truth. I give you truth in the pleasant disguise of illusion (1866). During Toms monologue, he discusses the premise of the play; when it takes place, who the characters are, and how the play is to be perceived (as a memory). His reference to illusion is not used†¦show more content†¦Even if she did, she loses touch with reality by refusing to let go of her early adulthood. She has repeated these stories so much that she finds them to be completely true. Its almost like she refused to grow up with the times, especially once things got harder. Although Amanda appears to often be stuck in the past, without any idea of reality, she bounces back and forth. She first says to Laura, I know so well what becomes of unmarried women who arent prepared to occupy a position. Ive seen such pitiful cases in the South-- barely tolerated spinsters living upon the grudging patronage of sisters husband or brothers wife. . . encouraged by one in-law to visit another (1871). When discussing the future, she seems to be very inept, clear, and very much realistic. However, next she completely falls back into illusion when talking about Lauras gentleman caller. She unrealistically reminds Laura that her defect can overshadowed by simple charm. She refuses to let Laura refer to herself as crippled (1872). Not only is Amanda refusing to live in the reality, she is denying Laura the opportunity to be realistic about her disability. Laura appears to be the most important character in the play, perhaps the main character intended by Williams. Although she also engages in a world of illusion, hers is much different then Amandas. She has no pretenses, no real faults to speak of. She is whoShow MoreRelatedIllusion Vs. Reality In The Glass Menagerie By Tennessee Williams1022 Words   |  5 PagesIllusion versus reality is a theme that illustrates the conflict people have when they have difficulties in their lives. They want to deny or ignore the difficulty, so they force themselves to think in a different way and believe something that is not true, thus, making an imaginary world for themselves. They have a desire to live in a different world and fool themselves to thinking that they are, but in reality, they are not. Authors use this theme in their writing to highlight the effect of theseRead MoreTennessee Williams and Works, a Look at Illusion vs. Reality1625 Words   |  7 PagesIllusion Vs. Reality Tennessee Williams and his works deal heavily in the contrast of illusion and reality and the characters struggle with this. Illusion vs. Reality is a major theme is mostly all of his dramatic works. The majority of these characters find themselves in a state of illusion. This was intended by Tennessee Williams to show how unavoidable and definite falling into illusion, or insanity, can be. Williams sister Rose affected him greatly when she became schizophrenic. ThisRead MoreImportant Symbols and Themes of The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams7390 Words   |  30 PagesImportant Symbols and Themes of The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams Tennessee Williams play, The Glass Menagerie is considered a memory play because it is told from the memory of the narrator. The narrator, who is also a character, is Tom Wingfield, the youngest member of the Wingfield family. The other characters are Amanda Wingfield, his mother; Laura Wingfield, his older sister; and Jim OConnor the gentleman caller. A fifth character is represented by the photograph Read More Illusion vs. Reality in The Glass Menagerie Essay2797 Words   |  12 PagesIllusion vs. Reality in The Glass Menagerie      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In The Glass Menagerie, Tennessee Williams uses the roles of the members of the Wingfield family to highlight the controlling theme of illusion versus reality. The family as a whole is enveloped in mirage; the lives of the characters do not exist outside of their apartment and they have basically isolated themselves from the rest of the world. Even their apartment is a direct reflection of the past as stories are often recalled from the