What Dramatic Techniques do you Get in The Glass Menagerie? 

Answer

What dramatic techniques do you get in The Glass Menagerie? 

“The Glass Menagerie” (1944) by Tennessee Williams (1911-1983) is rich with dramatic techniques that enhance its storytelling and thematic depth. Some of the key techniques include:

Memory Play Format: Tennessee Williams describes the play as a “memory play”. It allows for its narrative structure to be non-linear and fluid. This format reflects the way memories are often imperfect and subjective. Tom, the narrator, admits that what we see may be distorted by his memories. He adds layers of complexity to the audience’s understanding.

Use of Monologues: Throughout the play, characters deliver numerous monologues that reveal their inner thoughts, fears, and desires. Tom’s opening monologue sets the stage for a personal and introspective journey into his family’s struggles, while Amanda’s monologues often reveal her nostalgia for her past and her denial of present realities. Tom says: 

I’m tired of the movies and I’m about to move!

Symbols and Symbolism: Williams uses various symbols to underscore the play’s themes. The glass menagerie represents Laura’s fragility and the world of illusion she lives in. The fire escape symbolizes Tom’s desire to escape from his burdensome family responsibilities, and the unicorn in Laura’s collection symbolizes her unique, fragile nature—changed forever after her interaction with Jim. Tom says: 

She lives in a world of her own—a world of—little glass ornaments, Mother.

Escapism: The theme of escapism runs throughout the play. It represents not just in the characters’ actions and dreams but also through dramatic techniques such as the shifts between reality and memory and the dream-like quality that pervades the play. Tom tells his sister: 

Blow out your candles, Laura—and so good-bye.

In termination, we can say that these techniques contribute to the melancholic beauty and poignant realism of “The Glass Menagerie.” It makes it a staple in American theatre and a profound exploration of human desires and frailties.