Laura's Glass Menagerie

The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams

Just like in the beginning, Tom announces to the audience that he is a poet and that there is much symbolism throughout the play. One of the symbols that possibly holds as the most important would be Laura's glass collection. In many ways, it reflects Laura herself. As described, Laura is a very delicate being, who is sheltered and protected by her mother and brother. These traits are very similar to the fragile glass collection that she takes care of so passionately. What connects the two the most is the scene when Amanda and Tom's argument eventually leads to the breaking of many of her figurines. This accident symbolizes how Tom and Amanda's quarrels are greatly hurting poor Laura. Another part of her glass collection that holds much symbolism to it, is the rare unicorn that Laura shows off to Jim. The unicorn represents her, and how she is set apart from everyone else because her one difference. As Jim puts it, "Poor little fellow,he must feel sort of lonesome" (Williams 1281). Later when the unicorn's horn breaks off, it represents Laura overcoming her self-consciousness and freeing herself from her inferior mentality.