Laura is a Tragic Figure in The Glass Menagerie. 

Answer

Laura is a tragic figure in The Glass Menagerie. 

Or, analyse the character of Laura. 

Laura is the prominent character in the play “ The Glass Menagerie” (1944) written by Tennessee Williams (1911-1983). In the play, Laura is Tom’s sister and Amanda’s daughter. Williams portrays her as physically and emotionally fragile throughout the play. She is a tragic character because of her physical disorders.

Laura’s Physical and Emotional Fragility: Laura Wingfield is portrayed as physically and emotionally fragile throughout the play. Her limp, caused by a childhood illness, symbolizes her vulnerability. As Amanda, her mother, describes,

Laura seems all those things, fragile as a moth, and precious as a rose

Laura’s fragility extends beyond her physical condition. She wrestles with crippling shyness and anxiety. It hinders her ability to engage with the outside world. This fragility deepens her tragic portrayal as she struggles to navigate the demands of society and her family’s expectations.

Laura’s Withdrawal from Reality: Laura’s withdrawal from reality is a tragic element in her character arc. She retreats into her world. She finds solace in her glass menagerie, which represents her fragile existence. Laura’s obsession with her collection reflects her desire to escape the harsh realities of life. As she confesses to Jim,

 I – I have my glass collection… It’s — — — awfully nice — to have — glass in your collection

Laura’s withdrawal isolates her further. It highlights her inability to confront the challenges of the outside world. Thus, it deepens her tragic plight.

Laura’s Unrequited Love: Laura’s unrequited love for Jim O’Connor accentuates her tragic narrative. She harbours feelings for Jim since high school. She idealizes him as a symbol of hope and happiness. But her mother rejects her boyfriend. Laura says: 

Mother’s afraid I’m going to be an old maid.

However, Jim’s engagement to another woman shatters Laura’s dreams. He leaves her heartbroken and disillusioned. Laura’s unfulfilled love exacerbates her isolation and reinforces her status as a tragic figure destined for perpetual disappointment.

Laura’s Struggle for Identity: Laura’s struggle for identity underscores her tragic portrayal in the play. She grapples with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, unsure of her place in the world. Laura’s inability to conform to societal norms and her family’s expectations exacerbates her internal turmoil. As she reflects on her past failures, Laura admits, “I’m crippled.” This acknowledgment of her physical and emotional limitations reflects Laura’s ongoing battle to define herself, adding to the tragic dimension of her character.

In “The Glass Menagerie,” Laura Wingfield appears as a tragic figure. She is characterized by her physical fragility, emotional vulnerability, withdrawal from reality, unrequited love, and struggle for identity. Through Laura’s poignant portrayal, Tennessee Williams explores themes of isolation, disillusionment, and the human capacity for resilience in the face of adversity. Laura’s tragic narrative resonates with audiences, serving as a poignant reminder of the complexities of the human experience.