The Missing Man

The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams

Just like in Raisin, The Glass menagerie also has a character whom makes a large impact without ever being actually present. However, instead of the honorable and hardworking Big Walter Younger who died for his family and gave them an opportunity, this character has a more negative impact. This character is Mr. Wingfield, Amanda's abandoning husband, who walked out on the family previously. His presence is very foreboding through the play and is quite present especially by the immense portrait of his gleaming face. His absence puts an uneasy, depressing mood throughout the house, however it most influences Tom. For some reason or other, the absence of Tom's father has not made him condemning of such behavior but instead motivated him to do the same. Tom wishes to emulate the man and follow in his footsteps by also walking out on the prison he calls home. Tom states explicitly, "Why listen, if self is what I thought of, Mother, I'd be where he is- GONE!" (Williams 1247). Now, in that respect, Tom is more admirable than his father. Despite his longing to pack up and leave, he does contain some care for people outside himself. It was the abandonment of the family by this selfish man that gives the family their hopeless outlook. If even the one man who was supposed to be the head of the household, has fled them, then who else do they have.