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 greybelle. Amanda is a clear representative of this type. In general, aTennessee Williams faded belle is from a prominent Southern family,has received a traditional upbringing, and has suffered a r invariablysal of economic and social fortune at some point in her life. Like Amanda,these women all have a hard time coming to terms with their parvenue statusin societyand indeed, with modernistic 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 elegant manners in very ungenteel surroundings canappear tragic, comic, or downright grotesque. Amanda is the playsmost extroverted and theatrical character, and one of modern Americandramas most cov eted female roles (the acclaimed stage actressLaurette Taylor came out of semi-retirement to play the role in theoriginal production, and a number of known actresses, includingJessica Tandy, have since taken on the role).Amandas constant nagging of Tom and her refusal to see Laura for whoshe really is are certainly reprehensible, but Amanda also reveals a allow foringness to resign for her loved ones that is in many waysunparalleled in the play. She subjects herself to the humiliatingdrudgery of subscription sales in order to enhance Lauras marriageprospects, without ever uttering so much as a word of complaint. Thesafest conclusion to draw is that Amanda is not evil but is deeplyflawed. In fact, her flaws a... ...r we will see that she is white-lipped of what will happen to ayoung girl of Lauras position who is not married. Thus, Amandasemotions are mixed at present but will become clearer as the playprogresses.Note how Amanda plays the revelation scene for all its theatricalef fect. This is also a part of her character and prepares us for hergiddy actions when the humankind 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 forecasteither 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, peculiarly Tom, were still youthswhose every action had to be supervised.