preview

How Does The Glass Menagerie Relate To Society's Standards

Decent Essays

The Glass Menagerie Society’s standards can exceed what some people are capable of. Amanda, the mother, pressures both of her children to reach these standards. She often expects Tom to live up to society's expectations. Following these ideals puts pressure on Tom. To escape from these beliefs he goes to the movie theaters. Tom receives pressure from those around him and no one supports him. Society sets high standards for people like the Wingfield family. In the 1930s there were many expectations for each gender. In this time period males have an expectation to provide income. Tom is the only male in his family and must provide the income. Society's expectations is shown by, "I haven’t enjoyed one bite of this dinner because of your constant directions on how to eat it" (Williams 6). Amanda nags him in order to guide him to fit society’s standards. She will constantly nag him about how society feels and she fully supports this. People treat Tom like how every man is expected to at this time. Every day he will follow the same routine in order to fulfill what others want. …show more content…

He wants to escape and follow his dream to become a sailor. Tom does not want to follow the path society holds ideal. Williams extensively explores the role of emotion Tom experiences at this time (62). He has a personality that goes against the standards society has and causes it to be a difficult path to follow. Restrictions are always around him and he wants to pursue his dream. To solve these problems he faces he will bottle up his emotions and go out places and smoke often. Tom feels the expectations society has is negative and will do other activities to forget about these expectations. He would rather pursue his dream job than to follow the standards his mother and society

Get Access