Laura Wingfield

Analytical Essay # 22703

Drama and Theater > American
English > Analysis

Laura Wingfield

A character analysis of Laura Wingfield from Tennessee Williams' play "The Glass Menagerie."

1,067 words () | 1 source | MLA | 2002 United States

Paper Summary:

The paper shows that in "The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams, symbolism is used to describe the character development of Laura Wingfield. It describes how the use of symbolism in this play reveals deeper aspects of Laura's persona and her relationships with the outside world. The symbols that describe Laura's development through "The Glass Menagerie" include the fire escape, the glass menagerie and the unicorn.

From the Paper:

"Fire escapes are typically used as a means of escaping danger such as a fire. That is, people use the fire escape as a way out of a dangerous or unwanted situation. In contrast, Laura used the fire escape as a means of connecting to the outside world. Because Laura is an extremely shy girl, she is more comfortable staying at home attentively caring for her glass menagerie and playing her victrola. By staying in her safe world, she is able to deny the realities of the outer world such as marriage or career. For example, Jim, the gentleman caller, symbolizes the outside world. It is symbolic that Laura does not want to open the door when Jim arrives. She does not want the outside world coming into the safe world she created in her apartment. She even becomes sick with the thought of opening the door and allowing Jim into her home."