The Glass Menagerie

 

Group Essay Test

Group members will select one question from the first set and one question from the second set. Groups will have 15 minutes to discuss questions and outline responses, 20 minutes to write individually, and 10 minutes to edit each others’ responses. Groups will be awarded group points based on their composite grade. Please hand in one copy of this test with student names next to the questions they are answering.

Set One Questions:

1. Explain the symbolic value of Tom not paying the light bill.

2. What and where are Tom’s escapes and how does he feel about them?

3. What are Laura’s escapes? Explain the symbolism.

4. Explain the simile in Tom’s closing speech: "...the cities swept by me like dead leaves, leaves that were brightly colored but torn away from their branches..."

5. Explain Tom’s reflection: "Nowadays the world is lit by lightening. Blow out your candles, Laura."

6. Explain the observation that "...the huge middle class of America was matriculating in a school for the blind. Their eyes had failed them, or they had failed their eyes, and so there were having their fingers pressed forcibly down on a fiery Braille alphabet of a dissolving economy."

Set Two Questions:

7. Williams uses many references to Christianity. Describe at least three and explain what they signify.

8. Describe the atmosphere of the play and how it is created through music, stage directions, setting, and play structure.

9. What is the symbolic nature of the glass unicorn and the significance of the horn breaking.

10. Light is an important symbol throughout the play. Describe at least four references to light including rainbows and prisms and explain their symbolic values.

11. How do the unrealistic aspects of the play add to or detract from its effectiveness?

12. Analyze Jim, the Gentleman Caller, his role and placement in the play and how he affects each character.