The Glass Menagerie

Lesson 7
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ELA

Unit 1

11th Grade

Lesson 7 of 15

Objective


Students will be able to explain how Williams uses stage directions to reinforce key ideas, emotions, or themes in the scene.

Readings and Materials


  • Play: The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams  pp. 50 – 66 — Scene 6

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Target Task


Question 1

The stage direction on p. 53 that describes the curtains as blowing inward “in a slow, graceful motion and with a faint, sorrowful sighing” mainly serves to

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Question 2

In scene 6, Amanda can best be described as

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Question 3

Explain how the author uses the stage directions to develop the theme of reality and/or the theme of escape. Use evidence from the scene to support your answer.

Key Questions


  • How would you describe Laura's mood as Tom's visit approaches? Compare her mood and Amanda's.
  • What do the jonquils symbolize? What is the significance of Amanda's insatiable desire for jonquils? (p. 54)
  • p. 54: Why do the stage directions describe Laura as having an "altered look"? What does it reveal? Why does the music become "ominous" and the screen say, "Not Jim"?
  • What is significant about the way Amanda is dressed?
  • p. 55: What is Amanda's reaction to Laura? What does this further reveal about Amanda's character? Her desire for her children to be happy?
  • p. 56-59: How does the playwright further develop Amanda's disconnect from reality in these pages? Track actions, dialogue, diction, etc.
  • How does the image of the Jolly Roger (p. 60) help to develop theme? Why is it significant the two men are standing on the fire escape at this moment?
  • "A telephone man who fell in love with long distance." How does this develop theme?
  • What is the significance of Laura's sob at the end of the scene?
  • What have we learned of Tom's plans?
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Lesson 6

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Lesson 8

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