Play Guide [1.2MB PDF] - Arizona Theatre Company

DISCUSSION
5. What is the signifi cance of the moment when Tom, who is trying to leave, breaks part of
Laura's glass collection?
6. What is the symbolic signifi cance of the unicorn? Why is it signifi cant that Laura gives
the unicorn to Jim as a souvenir once its horn has been broken? Why does Laura say
“Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise” about the unicorn’s broken horn?
7. Tom fi nally agrees to bring the gentleman caller. Amanda agrees that once there's
someone to take Tom’s place, he's free to leave. In other words, Jim ends up functioning
as a surrogate for Tom. To emphasize this, Williams writes in many parallels between Tom
and Jim. What are some of these parallels?
8. Consider Amanda’s character throughout the play. Is she an admirable person or a silly,
frustrated woman? Does she arouse your sympathy, or do you think Williams wants you to
dislike her? Explain.
9. A play is put in motion by some element that upsets the situation at the beginning of the
story. What is the element that sets this play in motion? How does it upset the opening
situation, and how does it set the play in motion?
10. What is the signifi cance of the "blue roses" in the play?
11. Each of the Wingfi elds escapes from his or her own unpleasant reality into a
comforting, private world. Amanda escapes from her present circumstances by
remembering and talking about her youth, her beauty, and her romantic successes.
How does Laura escape from the real world? What does Tom do to escape from his
unhappiness?
12. How is Laura's relationship with Tom different from her relationship with Amanda?
How can you tell that Tom is truly fond of Laura?
13. Amanda often refers to her absent husband, and in the original stage directions his
grinning picture is highlighted at various times during the play. What does the photograph
represent to Amanda? To Tom? How is the photograph a constant threat to Amanda and
Laura's survival?
14. In the middle of the play, Tom displays an attitude toward his mother that he has not
shown before. Describe that attitude, and fi nd the lines of dialogue that reveal it.
Cite two lines of dialogue that show that Amanda is also trying to behave differently
toward Tom.
15. The gentleman caller scene is a perfect little play within a play. How are basic
dramatic elements used in this scene: characters you care about placed in a situation
where much is at stake, taking steps to get what they want?
The Glass Menagerie
Arizona Theatre Company Play Guide 27