Play Guide [1.2MB PDF] - Arizona Theatre Company
Play Guide [1.2MB PDF] - Arizona Theatre Company
Play Guide [1.2MB PDF] - Arizona Theatre Company
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DISCUSSION<br />
16. The climax of a play is the high point of the story – its most intensely emotional<br />
moment. What scene do you think marks the climax of The Glass Menagerie?<br />
17. Tennessee Williams’ characters are known for being what might be called in your<br />
English classes “tragically fl awed.” What does this mean to you? What are some tragic<br />
fl aws of Tom? Of Amanda? Of Laura? Can you relate to any of these? For instance, one<br />
of Tom’s tragic fl aws might be his use of “the movies” to distract him from the reality of his<br />
life. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? If you agree, what are similar modern<br />
distractions that are used for the same purpose? If you disagree, how would you describe<br />
Tom’s going to the movies?<br />
18. How would you describe the family dynamic amongst the Wingfi elds? How is the<br />
dynamic among your family members similar? How is it different?<br />
19. Why does Amanda say to her son, “Life is not easy, Tom. It requires Spartan<br />
endurance”? Has Amanda’s life been easy? What about her own experiences would<br />
prompt her to say this to Tom? Why do you think Tennessee Williams includes the<br />
moment in the play when Amanda recalls when she was young and gentlemen callers<br />
would bring her jonquils? What does this indicate about Tennessee Williams’ view of the<br />
world or more specifi cally, the people in it?<br />
20. How do you feel about Tom’s decision to leave at the end of the show? If there was<br />
an alternate ending in which Tom did not leave, what would the implications be for the<br />
Wingfi eld family?<br />
Related Assignments for Post-Performance<br />
(Based on the Language Arts State Standards)<br />
1. What might happen to Laura after Tom’s departure? What might happen to Amanda?<br />
Imagine that Laura and Tom meet again after 10 years. Write a short scene in which they<br />
discuss what has happened to Amanda, Jim, and themselves over the past 10 years and how<br />
they have changed. Make sure to have a beginning, middle, and end.<br />
2. What effect do the abstract images and setting that appear on stage throughout the play<br />
have on the story? Does it enhance or detract from the mood of what is occurring onstage?<br />
This choice was made by the director and the production team. Write a persuasive essay<br />
that convinces the reader that this directorial choice works for The Glass Menagerie or that it<br />
does not. Remember to back up your opinion with examples from the production.<br />
The Glass Menagerie<br />
<strong>Arizona</strong> <strong>Theatre</strong> <strong>Company</strong> <strong>Play</strong> <strong>Guide</strong> 28