Glass Menagerie the Importance of the Father Term Paper

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Glass Menagerie: The Importance of the Father

One of the reasons for this plays success and its acceptance as an "American Classic" of the theater is the strong and resonating themes of imprisonment and freedom; which are presented in the play in a contemporary and recognizable context. The play revolves around the central character and narrator of Tom Wingfield who is trapped within the psychological and financial constraints of his family. He is deeply frustrated by the need to be free and to live his own life and express his individuality, but is held back by his sense of guilt and responsibility to his mother and sister. The underlying background to his internal conflict is the ever-present and pervasive image of his absent father.

The father deserted the family years before and although he does not appear in the play, his presence is felt and his character is a dominating force throughout the drama. This fact is symbolized by the picture of the father that hangs on the wall and which serves as consistent reminder of his impact and influence on the family.

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. "The image of the absent father dominates the stage ... " (Tischler 28)

The father is an imposing figure in many of Williams' plays. The overpowering father figure can be linked to Williams' life and early impressions of his own father. In terms of the drama, the very absence of the father makes him a central character in the way that he continues to influence the lives of the family.

Tom feels the same need to explore and to be free of the restrictions of family life as his father did. His father serves as a psychological symbol of the freedom from restrictions and restraint. At the same time, the fact that the father left the family has caused Tom's imprisonment. Tom had to become the main breadwinner and the family is dependent on him for their financial survival.

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