The Glass Menagerie

In the "The Glass Menagerie," Tennessee Williams introduces us to a very over protective mother by the name of Amanda. Amanda has two children: a son called Tom and a daughter called Laura. Amanda's attitude towards her children is very unique, in that she controls their lives. Amongst many other interpreters, Signe Falk discuses and interprets this play at length. One specific topic she discusses is Amanda's inability to relate to reality and her children. Falk finds a flaw with Amanda's personality in that Amanda wrongly fantasizes about where in life her children should be.

We see in a few instances where Amanda is not able to relate to Toms personality. Tom enjoys watching movies and his mother prevents him from doing so. She claims that watching movies is a waste of time, and also prevents him from working efficiently the next morning. Tom is frustrated and offended since his mother can't let him have his own space. This proves what Falk said about Amanda, since she dreams about Tom performing her desires, were Tom decides not to listen. She dictates Tom what to do and when to do it. This is seen in the story when tom tells her mother "It seems unimportant to you, what I'm doing-what I want to do -..."

In another instance, we see Amanda confiscate Tom's books because she claimed it had sexually related material. Tom was offended and felt he should be able to bring whatever he wants in the house since he pays for the rent. He was upset at his mother since she didn't let him live life the way he wanted as a "fighter and a lover," as Falk stated. Falk tells us that Amanda fantasizes Tom to be a devout Christian, but he refuses

We see a similar relationship Amanda has with her daughter Laura. Amanda seems unable to recognize that Laura has a physical disability which makes it harder for Laura to get married. When tom tells his mother that finding a bachelor for Laura would be difficult due to her crippled leg, Amanda responds, "Don't say crippled! You know I never allow that word to be used." She tells Tom to say that it's a "little defect" instead. This we see is again proof to Falk, that the expectation that Amanda has for her daughter is not realistic. She thinks that the defect Laura possesses would only make her more appealing to others. This is seen in the story when Amanda tells Tom, "I think all the difference is to her advantage." This supports Falk's analysis of Amanda, which proves that Amanda fails to live with reality.

In one part of the story the author introduces us to Jim which Tom brings home to his mother for dinner. Upon seeing him, Amanda thinks her dreams are coming true, which is to find a proper suitor for her daughter. Amanda thinks that Jim is suitable for Laura, since he is clean, ambitious, and not a drunkard. Amanda also sees him as a funny boy,

...