The Psychological Costs of Societal Ideals in The
Glass Menagerie
by Barry Wright
Essay: The Psychological Costs of Societal Ideals in The Glass Menagerie
Pages: 10
Rating: 3 stars
Download Links:
• The Psychological Costs of Societal Ideals in The Glass Menagerie.pdf
• The Psychological Costs of Societal Ideals in The Glass Menagerie.doc
It is an innate desire of all human beings to be successful. Indeed, with success comes a feeling of personal
accomplishment, fulfillment, and pride. The prospect of such a future can drive many into great lengths to achieve
their goal. While the ideal images of accomplishment may differ slightly from person to person, they are all ideals
constructed by society. Unfortunately, society has a tendency to idealize these standards, placing them on a level
that is both unreachable and impossible to achieve. As such, these unattainable images of success have driven
numerous individuals into misery and hopelessness as they desperately attempt to reach that impossible ideal. For
many, their own inevitable failures ultimately result in psychological turmoil and distress. Such is the case with the
Wingfield household in Tennessee Williams' play The Glass Menagerie, which illustrates an American family's vain
attempt at achieving the "American Dream". Through the portrayal of the deteriorating mental conditions of the
Wingfields, Williams reveals the destructive psychological consequences of failing to meet societal standards of
success.
Amanda Wingfield's unconscious denial of her dismal socioeconomic position forces her to seek solace in an
idealized past, which ultimately traps her within a world of illusion. Throughout the play, Amanda's only
connection with the present is portrayed through her longing "for a stable family structure, that is, a stable means
of support, for her daughter", one in which her daughter, Laura, will "find a suitable husband, one who will not
drink excessively, who will find excitement enough in a conventional career and family" (Domina). In other words,
Amanda desires to be a part of the successful American h...
essay thesis, essay thesis examples, essay thesaurus, essay themes, essay thesis template, essay the crucible,
essay thesis generator, essay thesis definition, essay the america i believe in, essay theme generator