Lights, Camera, Theatrical Elements

"The light dims out on Tom and comes up in the WInfgield living room-a delicate lemony light. It is about five on a Friday evening of late spring which comes "scattering poems in the sky." -vi.1262
     Unlike its early predecessor, the Shakespearean drama, modern memory plays like "The Glass Menagerie" employ many more explicit stage directions and theatrical elements. For one, the technology from the Elizabethan era has greatly improved. Producers then and now have the ability to focus audience attention and create visual effects which further of the plot of the play. This play relies heavily on the effects of light, props, and costumes to describe the characters and setting of the play. Although unrealistic in its construction, the set mimics the layout of a typical apartment such a family would live in. The coming-of-age of material goods  at this time also weighs heavily on the subject matter of the play, and appearances play a large role in the overall storyline. "The Glass Mengagerie" centers around the symbolism of an object relating to a person: the glass pieces of Laura's symbolizing her frailty. Throughout the play, there is a contrast between the dingy apartment and the importance of physical appearance. Amanda goes to great lengths to dress up Laura, because she hopes a man will find her physically attractive and one day marry her. Ultimately, the entire play is dependent on objects, and they advance the emotions of Tom and the other characters. The sullen apartment aids in understanding the argument between Tom and Amanda, as Tom despises the physical appearance of the place and wants out.