The Glass Menagerie: Symbolism

The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams

Symbolism

Laura’s personality and feelings are symbolized by her glass menagerie collection. One of Laura’s characteristics is that she is fragile. In a scene where her brother Tom gets angry with his mother, Tom throws his coat and knocks over Laura’s glass collection. She then becomes very upset, not only because of her glass breaking, but also by her mother and brother constantly arguing. Moreover, the glass symbolizes her isolation and removal from society by always sitting alone on a shelf. For example, “Laura’s separation increases till she is like a piece of her own glass collection, too exquisitely fragile to move from the shelf,” (Williams, 1234). Laura lacks self-confidence and is extremely self-conscious of her small physical defect. Her favorite piece of glass, the unicorn, has a tiny horn. This piece of glass represents her because she has unique qualities. The horn on the unicorn symbolizes Laura’s small physical defect. When it breaks and she gives the unicorn to Jim, she lets go of her anxieties and insecurity she feels within.