Play Guide [1.2MB PDF] - Arizona Theatre Company

3. Discuss the symbol of the glass menagerie. What does it represent? Does it represent
the same things throughout the play, or does its meaning change? Think of other plays or
books where symbols are used to represent people, places or things. How is The Glass
Menagerie similar or different? Write an expository essay in which you compare/contrast
the symbols in The Glass Menagerie with the symbols in the play or book of your choice.
4. Write a critical analysis of this production. Use clear, concise adjectives to state your
opinions. Remember to back up your analysis with examples from the show.
5. Select and read another of Tennessee Williams’ plays. Write an expository essay in
which you compare/contrast the characters and themes in The Glass Menagerie with the
characters and themes in the play of your choice.
6. Who do you think is the main character of the play—Tom, Laura, or Amanda? Why?
Is the main character the protagonist? Is there an antagonist? Write a persuasive essay in
which you argue for the person you chose to be considered the main character of the play.
7. In The Glass Menagerie, Tennessee Williams has created "theater poetry" by using
various arts besides language. In the script, he uses the two transparencies at the
beginning of the play to enhance the idea that this is a memory play. Check through
the stage directions and dialogue to fi nd other uses of visual and sound effects, which,
combined with the words, help to create "theater poetry." Do any of these effects add
a touch of humor to the play? Think about the production you just saw. How was
it different from the stage directions? Write a memo to the director explaining what
Tennessee Williams meant by his stage directions and dialogue that would help stage
certain scenes more clearly.
8. The basic dramatic situation from which a play can grow involves a person or persons
whom viewers care about, who are in more or less desperate situations with a great deal at
stake. Such characters decide to act and then actually take steps to achieve their "wants."
Write an essay discussing how these dramatic elements are used in The Glass Menagerie.
9. One can say that The Glass Menagerie shows a series of contrasts between (a) the
dreamer and the doer, (b) the past and the present, (c) fantasy and reality, (d) psychological
and physical handicaps, and (e) the desire for escape and the awareness of responsibilities.
Choose one of these contrasts, and trace the way it is developed throughout the play.
10. Tennessee Williams’ play might be viewed as a way of inspiring the audience to view
human beings in a complete and rounded manner. Write an essay exploring what you
deem to be three positive and three negative aspects of Amanda Wingfi eld.
The Glass Menagerie
Arizona Theatre Company Play Guide 29