Blog #4

The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams

Although Amanda's husband is no longer alive, Mr.Wingfield still manages to play a significant role in the Wingfield household. Mr. Wingfield abandoned Amanda and the children for a more adventurous and exciting lifestyle. He wanted to travel and see the world, but he couldn't do that with a wife and family. He decided to leave the family and hasn't been seen for sixteen years. Due to these circumstances, the whole family is or has been negatively effective. Tom, for instance, has been influenced and somewhat inspired by his fathers abandonment. Similar to his father, Tom has a strong desire for adventure. He wishes to leave his sister and mother and follow his ambitions, looking at his father as an example. Tom states, "You know it don't take much intelligence to get yourself into a nailed-up coffin, Laura. But who in the hell ever got himself out of one without removing one nail."(Williams,1249). This phrase has direct correlation to Tom's father, who escaped the family without leaving a single trace. It appears that Tom wants to do the same. Along with Tom, Mr. Wingfield has also had an effect on Laura's life. Now, at the marrying age, Laura's future husband must meet the strict guidelines of her mother. Her mother does not want Laura to marry any man that is similar to her husband. She doesn't want him to be drinker, and she wants him to be a smart man, not one who will abruptly leave a family. For an absent father, Mr.Wingfield plays a key role in the family's lifestyle and actions.