The Glass Menagerie is a memory play since memory molds and inspires both its structure and its substance. The play is narrated by Tom and is based on his memories (Williams and Walker 59). The writer has exceptional flexibility of tradition in a memory play. Tom says that the writer often gives the audience an illusion that seems to be the reality. His point is that conventional dramatists trick their audiences into believing a lie through the use of stage illusion. He, however, refuses to resort to the usual dramatic devices. As an audience member, one will get the truth, but it will be wrapped in a beautiful illusion. He will use the theatrical device of flashbacks to recount his life narrative. At this point, we learn that Tom uses his recollections to portray the play as if it were reality.
Tom and Amanda have accurate recollections as they can recall exact information from their past encounters. Nevertheless, their memories often have considerable influence on the present. Flashbacks of his father and boyhood perpetually plague Tom. Amanda is so preoccupied with her childhood memories that she cannot understand her children (Williams and Walker 61). Our memories operate similarly because they can be fairly precise and thus have a significant influence on the present.
The assumption above may be applied to my life. Consider a situation when I embarrassed myself in front of my peers. This recollection could be true, hence can influence my present life in many ways. It may be haunting if it makes me feel ashamed and humiliated if I encounter similar situations. Alternatively, I can be preoccupied with the memories that I start to hate my friends even if they were not in the wrong. As such, recollections have the potential to impact interpersonal interactions significantly. Sometimes our minds cloud over because we are too preoccupied with the memories of a previous relationship. Conceivably, we can be too preoccupied with our thoughts to assess other people’s intentions properly.
Work Cited
Williams, Tennessee and Kate Walker. The Glass Menagerie. New Directions 2019.