How has Tragedy been depicted throughout The Glass Menagerie?

How has Tragedy been depicted throughout the play?

The Glass Menagerie, set in the 1930’s during the great depression, is a play told from the memory of Tom Wingfield. The play is somewhat autobiographical as the ideas of the author; Tennessee Williams have been reflected through Tom’s character. Yet it must be realised that many of the fundamentals depicted throughout the play have been overstated; therefore these exaggerations simply represent the extremity of how Williams felt during this particular time. Tennessee Williams recounts a significant stage in his life to the audience and through the use of symbolism and hidden messages it is easy to see the important factors that make this play a true tragedy.

The first element of tragedy depicted throughout the play represents the impossibility of true escape. The fire escape present in Amanda’s small apartment of St Louis, constantly promises the chance of escape to Tom. His mother lives in the past and has fond memories of her time in the old south, however as society changes Amanda finds it hard to fit in. The fact that Amanda’s husband does not support her family means that she has to find another source of income and because of this a lot of pressure is placed on Tom. As Amanda is unhappy with her low statues lifestyle she takes a lot of anger out on Tom, accusing him of being ‘selfish’ and a ‘liar.’ (Scene 7 and Scene 4) Tom has his own dreams and ambitions but the emotional ties he has with his mother and sister are to strong for him to simply leave. Amanda’s persistent accusation of Tom’s selfishness finally pushes him over the edge and Tom finally realises that in order to for fill his dreams, he will need to breakaway from his family. Tom ultimately leaves his mother and sister and at long last gains the freedom that he deserves, however his illusion of freedom is very different to the reality of freedom, and Tom finds himself feeling guilty for leaving Laura behind. With this dwelling on him Tom finds it difficult to get on with his life. The tragedy of this situation is that Tom will never truly escape from his memories, as in his own mind Tom feels as though he has failed Laura v fand although he has escaped from his depressing family environment, Tom will never truly escape and live a life of freedom until he knows that Laura has forgiven him for leaving her behind. Another element of tragedy that is prominent to the audience throughout the play is that of failure.