The Glass Menagerie

Scene 4

Page 37: Tom’s trapRead Tom’s story about Malvolio the Magician and his coffin and answer the following questions in complete sentences. 1.When Tom connects himself to the magician, what

is the ‘coffin’ he feels he is nailed into? Find one quotation from the text to support your answer.

2.What would it mean for Tom to “remove one nail” from his situation? (37). Give two or three possible examples.

3.Tom knows he can’t escape without “remov[ing] one nail.” Why does he feel that he can’t do that?

Page 29: Laura’s fallAfter reading about Laura’s fall, answer the following questions in complete sentences.

1. Explain the context of Laura’s fall.

2. Look back to your scene 1 notes and write down the significance of the fire escape as the family’s only door.

3. Considering your answers to 1 and 2, explain what Laura’s fall may symbolize. Be sure to explain using specifics from the book. Your response should discuss the fall, the fire escape, and the symbolic meanings.

Page 35: Tom’s ResponsibilitiesRead Amanda’s instructions to Tom and answer the following questions.

1. What is the extent of Tom’s obligation to Laura? When is he allowed to be “free” of her, according to his mother?

2. Do you think Tom is selfish? Why or why not?

3. What does Amanda find that upsets her? Look back at the description of Tom for scene 1; what do these events foreshadow? Use quotations from the text to support your answer.

The Glass Menagerie

Scene 5

Tom and his fatherThroughout the play, Tom struggles with his obligations vs. his dreams; he is constantly compared to his father, by himself and others. Answer the following relevant questions.

1.Throughout scenes 1-5, find 2 quotations of connections made between Tom and his father. They can be made by himself, Amanda, or your own inference. Be sure to cite correctly.

2.In your own words, discuss whether or not Tom is like his father using specifics from the text.

3. Explain whether or not Amanda is driving him to be more or less like his father, using specifics.

Pages 42-7: Amanda & RealityRead the dialogue between Amanda and Tom and answer the following question in complete sentences.

Find examples from the text of three assumptions or questions Amanda has about James. For each quotation, explain how her assumption demonstrates her disconnect from reality.

The Glass Menagerie

Scene 6

Page 50: Jim O’ConnorAfter reading Tom’s description of Jim, answer the following questions in complete sentences.

1. Think about a stereotypical high school hero. Without using names or specifics to NHS, give 4-5 traits one would expect from such a figure.

2. After reading Tom’s description of Jim, which of your traits does Jim fit into?

3. Why does Tom think Jim likes him? Does this coincide with your responses from #1-2?

Page 53: Amanda’s outfitAnswer the following questions in complete sentences, focusing on the stage directions in scene 6.

1. What does Amanda’s outfit demonstrate about her character?

2. Find 5 quotations (words) from the stage directions that further support your answer to #1.

3. Look back at Williams’ character descriptions on page xviii. Use the information from #1-2 to support and explain a specific quotation from the description of Amanda.

Pages 60-1: Tom’s plansAfter reading Tom’s description of his future plans, answer the following questions in complete sentences.

1. What changes is Tom planning to make? Use quotations from the text to support your answer.

2. Why do you think he has suddenly decided to make these changes? Be specific.