Williams, Tennessee: 1911-1983
The Glass Menagerie, 1945 - Language/Style
- English Language Level: Challenging, Formal
- Vocabulary – Some words are uncommon or poetic, like “illusion” or “disguise.”
Sentence Structure – The sentences are often long and complex, not simple subject-verb-object.
Figurative Language – The text uses metaphors and symbolism, not just literal meaning (e.g. “I give you truth in the pleasant disguise of illusion” shows Tom’s role as storyteller and the theme of reality vs. illusion).
Tone and Style – Dialogue can be formal, emotional, or old-fashioned.
- Vocabulary – Some words are uncommon or poetic, like “illusion” or “disguise.”
- The play uses poetic, symbolic language and complex sentences; the dialogue and stage directions are literary and carefully structured, not like everyday speech.