The Glass Menagerie Study Guide and discussion questions



The Glass Menagerie Study Guide

Scene 1

1. Setting (General and Specific)

Time:

Place:

2. Characters:

Amanda:

Laura:

Tom:

3. In his first speech, Tom makes an allusion to a certain atrocity in Europe. That atrocity is mentioned several times by Tom throughout the play. To what event does Tom refer?

4. Tom frequently addresses the audience from a certain part of the set. This area is an important symbol for Tom and for the choice he faces. What area is it?

5. In the first scene, Amanda tells the story of a Sunday afternoon in Blue Mountain. Explain, using specific details.

6. Explain Laura’s secret. Use specific details. What does this have to do with Amanda’s decision to find Laura a husband?

7. Explain why Amanda takes a second job. Be specific.

8. Tom goes to a magician. What is the magician's most impressive trick? What does this trick symbolize? Explain.

9. Explain what happens when Laura leaves to go get butter. Use specific details.

10. When Amanda senses that Tom wants to leave home, what does she tell him?

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Scene 2

1. In Scene 1, Tom says that he will give the audience "truth in the pleasant disguise of illusion." In Scene 2, Amanda and Laura are victims of their own illusions. In a paragraph, discuss their respective self deceptions. How do these, as Tom says, illustrate a "truth" about life?

2. The scene includes two important symbols: the blue roses and the glass menagerie. Explain.

3. Comment, in a paragraph, on an irony in the scene. How does this irony help the playwright develop his ideas?

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Scene 3

1. An intense argument develops between Amanda and Tom in this scene. To what extent does each character have justifiable grievances? Explain each.

2. At the beginning of the scene, Amanda speaks to Ida Scott on the telephone. Explain why this speech is important, using specific details.

3. Verbal irony is used in Tom's last speech of the scene. This speech contains elements of humor as well as bitterness. Explain, using specific details.

4. The symbol of the glass menagerie continues in this scene. Comment on its significance.

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Scene 4

1. Choose one important symbol in this scene. Discuss why the symbol is appropriate to the character with whom it is associated.

2. List two themes that are suggested in this scene. For each theme statement, provide supporting details.

3. Choose one conflict from this scene. Discuss thoroughly. Explain why the conflict is unresolved. 

4. The scene ends with Amanda making a telephone call to sell magazine subscriptions. Briefly explain why the scene ends this way.

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Scene 5

1. In this scene, the tragedy of Guernica is mentioned as a contrast to the events taking place at the Paradise Dance Hall. What is the historical significance of Guernica? Why does Tom mention this at this point in the play. Explain. Be specific.

2. Amanda deceives herself in this scene. What is this deception? Explain.

3. Tom makes Amanda happy by finally inviting a gentleman caller. How do you judge (knowing the rest of the play) his action?

Scene 6

1. Early in this scene, Laura is described as "a piece of translucent glass touched by light, given a momentary radiance, not actual, not lasting." Explain why Laura is described this way.

2. Identify one example of dramatic irony in this scene. Why is this irony important to the development of the play?

3. At the beginning of Scene 1 (page 23), Tom narrates that Jim O'Connor "is the most realistic character in the play." According to what we learn about Jim in Scene Six, do you think he is realistic? Are his dreams more (or less) realistic than Tom's?

4. Comment on Amanda's honesty in this scene.

5. Criticize Jim's behavior towards Laura in this scene.

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Scene 7

1. The unicorn is a potent symbol in this scene. Defend this statement by outlining Williams's use of the unicorn and examining its varied meanings.

2. In Scene 7 the illusions of the play are finally shattered. Explain, using relevant examples, how this is shown.

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