The Glass Menagerie - Amanda Wingfield Essay -- English Literature

The Glass menagerie - Amanda WingfieldIf there is a signature character type that marks Tennessee-Williamss dramatic work, it is undeniably that of the faded Southernbelle. Amanda is a clear interpretive program of this type. In general, aTennessee Williams faded belle is from a prominent Southern family,has authentic a traditional upbringing, and has suffered a reversal ofeconomic and social dowry at some point in her life. Like Amanda,these women all brook a hard time coming to terms with their new placementin societyand indeed, with modern society in general, whichdisregards the social distinctions that they were taught to value.Their relationships with men and their families are turbulent, andthey staunchly defend the values of their past. As with Amanda, theirmaintenance of civilized manners in very ungenteel surroundings canappear tragic, comic, or downright grotesque. Amanda is the playsmost extroverted and mental representation character, and sensation of modern Ame ricandramas most coveted female roles (the acclaimed stage actressLaurette Taylor came out of semi-retirement to play the role in theoriginal production, and a number of legendary actresses, includingJessica Tandy, have since taken on the role).Amandas continual nagging of Tom and her refusal to see Laura for whoshe really is are certainly reprehensible, still Amanda also reveals awillingness to sacrifice for her loved ones that is in many waysunparalleled in the play. She subjects herself to the humiliatingdrudgery of subscription sales in pose to enhance Lauras marriageprospects, without ever uttering so much as a word of complaint. Thesafest conclusion to draw is that Amanda is not evil save is deeplyflawed. In fact, her flaws a... ...r we will see that she is afraid of what will witness to ayoung girl of Lauras position who is not married. Thus, Amandasemotions are mixed at present but will suffer clearer as the playprogresses.Note how Amanda plays the revelation scene for all its theatricaleffect. This is also a part of her character and prepares us for hergiddy actions when the human race caller comes.One of Amandas admirable qualities is her determination. Once she hasset her oral sex to a task, she goes about it with a determination thatneither of her children possesses. It would be unworkable to imagineeither Tom or Laura dedicating themselves to a task with such completezeal as does Amanda.It is, however, this dedication which makes her appear hateful to herchildren. It is as though both, especially Tom, were still youthswhose every action had to be supervised.