Essay | The Glass Menagerie - Symbolism of the Unicorn

Symbolism: The practice of representing things by means of symbols or of attributing symbolic meanings or significance to objects, events, or relationships

In "The Glass Menagerie", Tennessee Williams uses different kinds of symbols to portray particular characteristics or situation, which include the glass menagerie itself, the fire escape, and the gentlemen caller. However, probably the most significant symbol is Laura's glass unicorn, which has an obvious and direct relation with her. Being her favorite animal amongst her menagerie, they share many similar psychological and physical characteristics, in turn resulting with similar fates at the end of the play.

The unicorn is a graceful creature from fantasy, which has the physical appearance of a horse but with a horn protruding out of its head. This corresponds with Laura's character perfectly. She lives her life in an apartment with her brother, Tom, and mother,...
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