To what extent does Williams create characters as purely symbolic representations used to teach audiences about human nature? And what other techniques do you use in Glass Menagerie? Tennessee Williams uses symbolism to reveal, in depth, the attributes of the characters and what they represent. the show is constructed in such a way that each character has a defining symbol that resembles their personality. Brechtian techniques also contribute to the motifs and themes of the work. In the first scene we are immediately presented with a symbol which is the fire escape. This symbolizes a "bridge" between the Wingfields' illusory world and the world of reality outside their apartment. Tom-"I'm going to smoke!"Laura-"I'm fine. I slipped, but..." Everything's fine. From this The "bridge" initially seems to be a one-way passage, but for each character the direction varies. The fire escape, for Tom, is Amanda and Laura's escape out of the world and an entry into the world of reality. The fire escape however, for Laura, is a way into her world and an escape from reality. Examples of both characters can be clearly seen: every time Tom smokes, he goes out onto the fire escape, showing that he doesn't like it. being inside and part of the illusory world Yet, on the other hand, Laura, thinks of the fire escape as a way in and not as a way out. An example of this can be seen when Amanda tells Laura to go to the store: Laura trips on the fire escape. This idea suggests that Laura's emotions and fears greatly influence her physical condition much more than normal people. The most predominant and frequently cited symbol, which is quite obvious, is Laura's glass menagerie. His glass collection represents his private world which he often uses as an escape from reality. His place where he can hide and be safe. The events that happen to Laura's glass greatly affect Laura's emotional state. When Tom breaks the glass menagerie, Laura is greatly affected and this can be deciphered by her reaction."(shrill) My glass!- menagerie."(from the stage directions after the menagerie is broken) Laura clings weakly to the mantelpiece with face avoided." The shattered glass represents Laura's understanding of Tom's responsibilities to her. Also, the reaction to the unicorn breaking "(high-pitched) My glass! - menagerie", which is important, represents Laura directly because her fragility is represented; it is as if she had broken.