Play Guide [1.2MB PDF] - Arizona Theatre Company

DISCUSSION
16. The climax of a play is the high point of the story – its most intensely emotional
moment. What scene do you think marks the climax of The Glass Menagerie?
17. Tennessee Williams’ characters are known for being what might be called in your
English classes “tragically fl awed.” What does this mean to you? What are some tragic
fl aws of Tom? Of Amanda? Of Laura? Can you relate to any of these? For instance, one
of Tom’s tragic fl aws might be his use of “the movies” to distract him from the reality of his
life. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? If you agree, what are similar modern
distractions that are used for the same purpose? If you disagree, how would you describe
Tom’s going to the movies?
18. How would you describe the family dynamic amongst the Wingfi elds? How is the
dynamic among your family members similar? How is it different?
19. Why does Amanda say to her son, “Life is not easy, Tom. It requires Spartan
endurance”? Has Amanda’s life been easy? What about her own experiences would
prompt her to say this to Tom? Why do you think Tennessee Williams includes the
moment in the play when Amanda recalls when she was young and gentlemen callers
would bring her jonquils? What does this indicate about Tennessee Williams’ view of the
world or more specifi cally, the people in it?
20. How do you feel about Tom’s decision to leave at the end of the show? If there was
an alternate ending in which Tom did not leave, what would the implications be for the
Wingfi eld family?
Related Assignments for Post-Performance
(Based on the Language Arts State Standards)
1. What might happen to Laura after Tom’s departure? What might happen to Amanda?
Imagine that Laura and Tom meet again after 10 years. Write a short scene in which they
discuss what has happened to Amanda, Jim, and themselves over the past 10 years and how
they have changed. Make sure to have a beginning, middle, and end.
2. What effect do the abstract images and setting that appear on stage throughout the play
have on the story? Does it enhance or detract from the mood of what is occurring onstage?
This choice was made by the director and the production team. Write a persuasive essay
that convinces the reader that this directorial choice works for The Glass Menagerie or that it
does not. Remember to back up your opinion with examples from the production.
The Glass Menagerie
Arizona Theatre Company Play Guide 28