The Glass Menagerie is a good mirror. It accurately reflects the selfishness of society.

That’s not to say that it’s enjoyable—far from it! The dysfunction of the Wingfield family is painful to read. Whether it’s Amanda’s life in the past, Laura’s agonizing inability to interact with people, or Tom’s overt selfishness, each character brings something heartbreaking to the story.

As with all of Williams’ plays, the symbolism runs just as deep as the character development. This is the sort of story you can mull over for a while.

Williams did a fine (and semi-biographical) job in revealing the results of a life lived only for oneself.

Williams, Tennessee. The Glass Menagerie. New Directions, 1966.