The Glass Menagerie

Brief Overview

The Glass Menagerie is a play that tells the story of the Wingfield family, consisting of the mother Amanda, her son Tom, and daughter Laura. Amanda, left without a husband, dreams of a better life for her children. Tom works in a warehouse but dreams of becoming a writer and escaping the stifling atmosphere of home. Laura, who suffers from a physical disability and extreme shyness, finds solace in her collection of glass figurines. Amanda hopes to arrange Laura's personal life and asks Tom to invite a young man to their home. Tom brings his colleague Jim, who turns out to be Laura's high school crush. A connection forms between Jim and Laura, but it soon becomes clear that Jim is engaged. This shatters the hopes of Amanda and Laura. At the end of the play, Tom leaves home to pursue his dreams, leaving his family behind.