The play The Glass Menagerie, by Tennessee Williams, Williams uses
             many symbols which represent many different things. Many of the symbols
             used in the play try to symbolize some form of escape or difference between
             The first symbol, presented in the first scene, is the fire escape.
             This represents the "bridge" between the illusory world of the Wingfields
             and the world of reality. This "bridge" seems to be a one way passage.
             But the direction varies for each character. For Tom, the fire escape is
             the way out of the world of Amanda and Laura and an entrance into the world
             of reality. For Laura, the fire escape is a way into her world. A way to
             escape from reality. Both examples can readily be seen: Tom will stand
             outside on the fire escape to smoke, showing that he does not like to be
             inside, to be a part of the illusionary world. Laura, on the other hand,
             thinks of the fire escape as a way in and not a way out. This can be
             seen when Amanda sends Laura to go to the store: Laura trips on the fire
             escape. This also shows that Laura's fears and emotions greatly affect her
             physical condition, more so than normal people.
             Another symbol presented deals more with Tom than any of the other
             characters: Tom's habit of going to the movies shows us his longing to
             leave the apartment and head out into the world of reality. A place where
             one can find adventure. And Tom, being a poet, can understand the needs of
             man to long for adventure and romance. But he is kept from entering
             reality by Amanda, who criticizes him as being a "selfish dreamer." But,
             Tom has made steps to escape into reality by transferring the payment of a
             light bill to pay for his dues in the Merchant Seaman's Union.
             Another symbol, which deals with both Amanda and Laura, is Jim
             O'Connor. To Laura, Jim represents the one thing she fears and does not
             want to face, reality. Jim is a perfect example of "the common man." A
             person wi...