Scene 1-The Glass Menagerie

This particular Tennessee Williams work has an almost transparent nature.  Everything is explained to the reader/audience.  The symbolism within the poem is directly noted as symbolism by Tom the narrator.  There is little analysis needed of the literary techniques utilized within the play because they are explicitly explained either by Tom or through the stage directions.  The characterization of Laura as a piece of her fragile glass collection is made clear in the character descriptions presented at the beginning of the play.  The father is described as a "fifth character"; therefore, suggesting he has an overarching impact.  In his opening monologue, Tom both points out what Jim O'Connor symbolizes and characterizes him.  "...and a gentleman caller who appears in the final scenes.  He is the most realistic character in the play, being an emissary from a world of reality that we were somehow set apart from.  But since I have a poet's weakness for symbols, I am using this character also as a symbol; he is the long delay but always expected something that we live for" (Williams, 1237).   Other aspects, such as the lighting and music, point out other implications throughout the play.  For example, whenever the father is discussed or thought of, his photograph has the tendency to light up.  The music "The Glass Menagerie" is often played whenever what is happening has an obvious or ambiguous effect on the character of Laura.