In Tennessee Williams's play, The Glass Menagerie, he reflects upon the economic status and desperation of an American family living in St. Louis during the 1930s. Williams portrays three characters: Amanda Wingfield, the disappointed mother; Tom, the narrator and trapped son; and Laura, the crippled daughter. Williams compares the Wingfield apartment to "one of those vast hive-like conglomerations of cellular living-units..." a reminder to each character of the harsh reality of their life (epilogue.1972). Although they strive for escape from the same situation, each character has a way of dealing with hardships that are symbolized throughout the play in various ways. William's use of symbolism emphasizes one of the main themes; escaping reality.

The play begins with Tom introducing characters and giving a brief explanation of the time and setting. He makes a special point to introduce a fifth character, seen only in a photograph that hangs in...