Symbols in The Glass Menagerie In the play The Glass Menagerie, by Tennessee Williams, Williams uses many symbols that represent many different things. Many of the symbols used in the work attempt to symbolize some form of escape or difference between reality and illusion. The first symbol, presented in the first scene, is the fire escape. This represents the "bridge" between the illusory world of the Wingfields and the world of reality. This "bridge" appears to be a one way hike. But the direction varies for each character. For Tom, the fire escape is the way out of Amanda and Laura's world and into a world of new dimensions. For Laura, the fire escape is a way to enter her world. A way to escape from reality. Amanda perceives the fire escape as a way to allow gentlemen into their lives. He is also trying to escape his vacant life. Our author, Tennessee Williams, also uses the fire escape as a literal escape from his reality. His way of escape is through play. In the opening speech, Tom says, "I give you the truth in the pleasant disguise of illusion." This quote refers to Williams' life as told through the show. Everyone in the play seeks refuge from their lives, attempting to escape into an imaginary and deceptive world. In “The Glass Menagerie,” Williams’ fire escape portrays each character’s need to use the fire escape as a literal escape from their reality. The Glass Menagerie is set in the Wingfield family's apartment. By description, it is a cramped place located in the city of St. Louis. It is one of many apartments in the neighborhood. Of the Wingfield family members, none likes living in the apartment. The only reason that traps them in their submissive abode is poverty. The concept of escaping one's life and retreating into an illusory world entered the minds of each of the characters. Escape from this lifestyle, this apartment, and these relationships is a significant theme throughout the play. These escapes are connected to the symbolic "fire escape" and the absent Mr. Wingfield. Wingfield left his family for a life on the road. “He worked for the telephone company and fell in love with long distance.” This action left Tom with all the responsibilities of the family, including taking care of his half-crazy, domineering mother, Amanda, and a disabled sister, Laura...