Comparing The Glass Menagerie And A Streetcar Named Desire
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Tennessee Williams is one of the most famed playwright of all time. His stories encompass many subjects, many of which involve internal conflicts and family issues. Many times Tennessee writes stories that closely resemble his own life and struggles. Though his stories have aged, the theme in plays such as The Glass Menagerie and A Streetcar Named Desire can be applied to many aspects of modern life. The Glass Menagerie gives an insight into a terribly distraught family. The story follows Tom, a typical Southern gentleman who works at a factory, Amanda, his mother, and Laura, his sister. The problems that the family face originate from their refusal to communicate with each other. After the departure of his father, Tom is left to become the breadwinner of the family. Amanda does not work and…show more content… Alcohol is many times seen as the root of all problems. In the story (especially according to Amanda), this is the whole truth. Tom uses alcohol to escape his problems. He hates his job and sees his life going nowhere. Amanda knows that Tom’s father drank for the same reasons and ended up leaving his family. Amanda fears that Tom will do the same, and despises his drinking. What she doesn’t know however, is that she is absolutely correct in her assumption that Tom will follow in the footsteps of his father, as he eventually does the same and abandons his job and family. Another interesting literary devise used in this story is the narrator’s point of view. The story is told by Tom (who shares the same surname as the famed writer of the story Tennessee Williams). The story is told as a flashback to his past. Everything that is seen is simply Tom’s imagination and reflection on his own life. Because of this, the story could be completely altered by Tom in any way. Everything that occurs in the story could be completely made up. We are at the mercy of Tom in this tale and must trust that his account is