The Glass Menagerie- Aphorism

 

The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams

Aphorism

While Jim O’Connor and Laura talk to each other, Jim offered an aphorism. For example, “And everybody has problems, not just you, but practically everybody has got some problems. You think of yourself as having the only problems, as being the only one who is disappointed. But just look around you and you will see lots of people as disappointed as you are,” (Williams, 1277). Jim’s comment provides a new perspective for Laura. She is far removed and isolated from society, and she only thinks of her problems. Realizing that other people have problems could give her more self-confidence and less anxiety. Jim’s comment is not only insightful for Laura, but for the real world as well. People easily tend to become concerned with their own problems and non-considerate of others. They become self-absorbed in their difficulties causing them to think negatively about themselves. Seeing that other people have more difficult problems can lead one to have a more positive outlook on life. Moreover, this new perspective can help people overcome their obstacles and problems to move on to bigger and better things in life.