What Techniques Does the Author Use to Maintain the...

Set in the 1930’s, in a time where hope was scarce and the depression was dominant, Tennessee William’s play, The Glass Menagerie, tells the tale of a disappointed family whose life is dull and bland. However, Tennessee Williams gives his play substance through the use of alternative techniques, and as a result the audience and reader’s of the text are left captivated and intrigued. Williams’s play is a memory play, based on his life and family, and this in effect gives it its realistic feel. In scene one of the play Williams writes, ‘The scene is memory and it is therefore non-realistic. Memory takes a lot of poetic licence. It omits some details: others are exaggerated, according to the emotional value of the articles it touches, for†¦show more content†¦The title of this song creates an irony as it relates to a duckling. This then alludes to the tale of the ugly duckling transforming into a beautiful swan, however Laura is the opposite of this. A swan is beautiful and graceful, however due to Laura’s limp, her dancing is both restricted and awkward and because of this she is not able to complete the transition and remains like the ugly duckling. This waltz also contrasts the dull reality of the Wingfield family’s lives to those who dwell outside the walls of the tenement. The music of ‘La Golondrina’ can be related to each of the characters as they are each waiting for the sun to rise and bring them a better day and brighter life. The central piece of music of the play titled, The Glass Menagerie, is also important as it represents the fragility of both the Wingfield family and the illusions they live through. This piece of music also places emphasis on the emotions of the characters throughout he play. It does this by playing at certain points such as when Laura is sitting alone playing with her glass menagerie. The music as this point emphasises Laura’s loneliness and the fact tha t her only friends are the animals of her menagerie. This allows the audience to feel empathy towards Laura, and in doing so helps to maintain their interest in the play. Another technique employed by William’s is his use of lighting. Throughout the play the stage remains