Monday, October 28, 2013

What does the moon represent in "The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams?

The moon also represents mystery and promise. It takes on a symbolic meaning that transforms it into a magical wishing star.  When Amanda and Tom have their playful discussion in Scene V.


The fact that Amanda and Tom discuss the moon in this scene, and that it is done in a very light, casual way, it allows for a pleasant moment between Amanda and her son.  The reader also sees Amanda's superstitious side when she asks her son:



"Have you made a wish on it yet?" (Williams)



Amanda asks her son what he wished for and he tells her that it is a secret. Then Amanda tells him that she won't reveal her wish either, that she can be mysterious too.  But she does reveal her wish:



"No I don't have secrets.  I'll tell you what I wished for on the moon.  Success and happiness for my precious children.  I wish for that whenever there's a moon and when there isn't a moon, I wish for it." (Williams)



The exchange between Amanda and Tom in the beginning of this scene sets up the revelation that Tom has found a gentleman caller to invite over for dinner, just as his mother asked him. 


In my view, I think that Tom is a bit sarcastic and uncaring with regard to his mother in this scene.  He acts very cavalier about the whole gentleman caller thing when he knows that his mother is very serious about finding Laura a husband.





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