The Glass Menagerie - Amanda Wingfield Essay -- English Literature

The Glass Menagerie - Amanda WingfieldIf there is a pinch character type that marks Tennes try out-Williamss capertic work, it is undeniably that of the cut Southernbelle. Amanda is a clear representative of this type. In general, aTennessee Williams weakened belle is from a prominent Southern family,has received a traditional upbringing, and has suffered a reversal ofeconomic and social fortune at some stratum in her life. Like Amanda,these women all prepare a hard judgment of conviction coming to terms with their new statusin societyand indeed, with modern font society in general, whichdisregards the social distinctions that they were taught to value.Their relationships with men and their families are turbulent, andthey staunchly reason the values of their past. As with Amanda, theirmaintenance of genteel manners in truly ungenteel surroundings canappear tragic, comic, or downright grotesque. Amanda is the solvesmost extroverted and theatrical character, and one of modern Americandramas 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 constant nagging of tom turkey and her refusal to see Laura for whoshe really is are certainly reprehensible, but Amanda also reveals a willingingness to give over for her loved ones that is in many waysunparalleled in the play. She subjects herself to the chagrindrudgery of subscription sales in order to enhance Lauras marriageprospects, without ever uttering so much as a word of complaint. Thesafest finish to draw is that Amanda is not evil but is deeplyflawed. In fact, her flaws a... ...r we will see that she is afraid of what will happen to ayoung fille of Lauras position who is not married. Thus, Amandasemotions are mixed at present but will become clearer as the playprogresses. line of work how Amanda plays the revelat ion scene for all its theatricaleffect. This is also a get down of her character and prepares us for hergiddy actions when the gentleman caller comes.One of Amandas admirable qualities is her determination. Once she hasset her mind to a task, she goes about it with a determination thatneither of her children possesses. It would be impossible 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 mute youthswhose every action had to be supervised.