The Glass Menagerie--1119 #1

Tennessee Williams uses both realistic and nonrealistic conventions in The Glass Menagerie. The structure of the Wingfield family is a realistic trait of the play. I don't know a single mother who hasn't corrected her child for eating impolitely. It's not uncommon, so Amanda's "And chew--chew!" comment on page 1237 is not out of place. But certain aspects of the play, such as Tom's frequent asides, are completely unrealistic. I understand that the soliloquies are necessary to the audience's understanding of the events taking place, but no one actually believes that turning around prevents anyone from hearing anything. Most of the play, however, seems quite realistic. Laura's reaction to her mother's comments about her having a defect are understandable. I'd be upset too. But I also understand why Amanda doesn't like the word "crippled." Who wants to accept that fact that their child has a disability, even if it is somewhat slight? The play is a literalistic imitation of reality. Many of the things that happen in the play can and do take place in families everywhere. There really are no breaks from the normal behavior of each of the characters in the play. They all act pretty much the same way the entire time.