Use of symbols, tensions and irony in The Glass MenagerieThe Glass Menagerie, by Tennessee Williams, is a perfect example of how Williams incorporates symbols, tensions and irony to help express the central theme of the work. One of the most dominant symbols in the work is the fire escape. It represents something different for each of the characters. Tom uses the fire escape to escape his cramped apartment and annoying mother. Therefore, the fire escape symbolizes a path to the outside world. For Jim, the gentleman caller, the fire escape represents a means of entering the Wingfields' apartment and, in doing so, entering the Wingfields' lives. The mother, Amanda, sees the fire escape as Jim's possible entry into the apartment and as an answer to her fear of her daughter becoming a spinster. Finally, for Laura, the fire escape represents a place where she can hide from the real world. The glass menagerie itself is another symbol. It represents how fragile, sensitive and unique Laura is. Laura's prize piece is the unicorn, which Jim bumps into and brakes. After the unicorn breaks, it is no longer unique. Just as after Jim kisses Laura and tells her of his engagement to be married, she becomes heartbroken and a little less unique. In this area, Jim represents the outside world. When the unicorn and Laura are exposed to Jim (or the outside world) they break. By giving Jim the broken unicorn, Laura is also giving him her broken heart to carry with him. She gives him the broken unicorn because he is no longer unique, and neither is Jim to her. Likewise, when Jim leaves, he will also leave a little of himself in Laura's broken heart....... middle of paper... Laura is engaged. This confirms that Laura will not be able to realize her dream. It seems like every time a character thinks they're moving forward, they have the reality of moving backwards. The characters never give up trying, but still no one can move on from the world of Wingfield. Even Tom can't escape, and he's already gone. The Glass Menagerie is indeed a perfect example of how Williams incorporates symbols, tensions and irony to help express the central theme of the work. Works cited and consulted: Kahn, Sy. Modern American Drama: Critical Essays. Edited by Willima E. Taylor. Deland, Florida. Everette/Edwards Inc., 1968. 71-88Williams, Tennessee. The glass menagerie. Bedford's introduction to literature: reading, writing, thinking. 5th ed. Ed. Michael Mayer. Boston: Bedford, 1999.