What is ‘Peculiar’ about Laura in The Glass Menagerie? 

Answer

What is ‘peculiar’ about Laura? 

Laura Wingfield is one of the central characters in Tennessee Williams’ play “The Glass Menagerie.” She is described as peculiar due to her unique personality and circumstances. Several aspects contribute to her peculiarity:

Physical disability: Laura has a limp due to a childhood illness. It makes her feel self-conscious and withdrawn from social situations. This physical difference sets her apart from others and contributes to her sense of peculiarity.

Social anxiety: Laura is extremely shy and struggles with social interactions. She finds solace in her glass menagerie. Glass Menagerie is a collection of delicate glass animals. She cares for meticulously. Her preference for the company of inanimate objects over people adds to her peculiarity. Tom says about Laura: 

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

Emotional fragility: Laura is emotionally fragile, partly due to her physical disability and partly due to her overbearing mother, Amanda. She constantly compares her to her brother, Tom. Laura’s vulnerability and sensitivity make her seem peculiar in the context of her family dynamic.

Escapism: Laura often retreats into her world. She wants to avoid the harsh realities of life. She finds comfort in her fantasies and illusions, such as her crush on Jim, the gentleman caller. Her tendency to escape from reality further accentuates her peculiarity.

In termination, Laura’s combination of physical disability, social anxiety, emotional fragility, and tendency towards escapism contribute to her portrayal as a peculiar character in “The Glass Menagerie.”