In The Glass Menagerie, Tennessee Williams displays traditional Victorian Era gender roles learned from growing up in the South. These qualities play an important role in dictating the future plans for each of the characters. With Amanda’s Southern upbringing, it is customary for the women to stay “fresh and pretty” (1146), while “character” (1167) and a stable career is most important for men. After failing her duties as a mother and wife, Amanda becomes obsessive with casting her morals unto Tom and especially Laura as she tries desperately to marry her daughter off to a prosperous gentleman caller. When Amanda describes her courting as a young woman, she nostalgically reflects back upon a bygone time when she was beautiful and how the…show more content… The Victorian Era beliefs states that women should marry a successful man and provide for the family with simple work and caring for the house. Amanda echoes this concept when saying, "Girls that aren't cut out for business careers usually wind up married to some nice man. [She gets up with a spark of revival.] Sister, that's what you'll do!" (1152). This idea Amanda picks up from observing her deeply rooted, outdated gender roles beliefs. As Laura begins to fail both of the paths Amanda chooses for her, she begins to feel depressed as Amanda hounds her:
"I know so well what becomes of unmarried woman who aren't prepared to occupy a position. I've seen such pitiful cases in the South - barely tolerated spinsters living upon the grudging patronage of sister's husband or brother's wife!..."I know so well what becomes of unmarried woman who aren't prepared to occupy a position. I've seen such pitiful cases in the South - barely tolerated spinsters living upon the grudging patronage of sister's husband or brother's wife!” (1151). Amanda’s sexist views appear again as she confides with Laura about how her life will fall off if she doesn’t