Week 4 Blog

In the second part of The Glass Menagerie, Tennessee Williams uses simple dialog and vivd, yet simple descriptions of the characters' actions. 


The first half of the play is used to set up the background; whereas, the second half is filled with emotion and where the climax arises. It seems as if Tennessee Williams changes tones within the first and second half. I was more intrigued and interested in the second half. Each character was revealed more closely. The beginning seems as if it is a roller coaster inching towards the top, and the second half races down hill. 


Jim enters the scene and affects each character. Amanda's nagging and attention to detail increases exponentially. She is in a constant frenzy to make everything perfect and appealing to the eye. It's revealed that she is so focused on what others think of her daughter rather than true happiness. I think this could also be related to the time period of the play. On page 52 she says, "This is the prettiest you'll ever be," insinuating her lack of confidence in her daughter. Laura's entire outlook on life and herself is altered by the words spoken by Jim. He tells her she is pretty and encourages her confidence. Tom seems to be a completely different story within the play. His character doesn't entirely fit in with the story line, which I think is intended by Tennessee. He is trying to figure out life and on page 61 he says, "Im tired of the movies and I'm about to move." His character is mysterious and deep.


I really enjoyed Jim's sweet words to Laura. He gave her the nick name Blue Rose in high school, and as he got to know the real Laura he stated that blue although blue was wrong for roses, it was perfect for her. 


vocab:
beleaguered- to surround with military forces.
jonquil- a narcissus, Narcissus jonquilla,  having long, narrow, rushlikeleaves and fragrant, yellow or white flowers.