The Glass Menagerie: Laura's Struggles and Amanda's Expectations

TLDRIn scene 2 of The Glass Menagerie, Laura's fear of a typing test leads her to drop out of business college. Amanda becomes upset and accuses Laura of deceit. They discuss Laura's future, with Amanda suggesting marriage as a solution. The scene reveals themes of abandonment and the pressure placed on Laura by her mother.

Key insights

📚Laura's fear of the typing test and subsequent drop out highlight her anxiety and lack of self-confidence.

💔Amanda's dismissiveness of Laura's admission of liking a boy reflects her own unfulfilled dreams and desperation for Laura to find security through marriage.

🎭The scene explores the theme of abandonment, with Amanda fearing Tom's departure as a repeat of her husband's abandonment.

🔍Laura's fascination with her glass figurines represents her desire for stability and control in a world that overwhelms her.

💡The scene exposes the pressure placed on Laura by her mother's expectations and society's traditional views of women's roles.

Q&A

Why did Laura drop out of business college?

Laura dropped out of business college because she was terrified of the typing test and became physically ill due to anxiety.

What does Amanda suggest as a solution for Laura's future?

Amanda suggests marriage as a solution for Laura's future, believing that it will provide security and financial stability.

What does Laura confess to Amanda about her past crush?

Laura confesses that she had a crush on a boy in high school who nicknamed her 'blue roses'.

What themes are explored in this scene?

The themes of abandonment, societal expectations, and the pressure placed on Laura by her mother are explored in this scene.

What does Laura's fascination with her glass figurines symbolize?

Laura's fascination with her glass figurines symbolizes her desire for stability, control, and a sense of beauty in a world that overwhelms her.

Timestamped Summary

00:13Laura is polishing her glass animals when her mother, Amanda, approaches.

00:27Amanda confronts Laura about dropping out of business college.

00:52Laura explains that she was terrified of the typing test and became sick.

01:15Amanda suggests marriage as a solution for Laura's future.

01:32Laura confesses to liking a boy in high school who nicknamed her 'blue roses'.

02:12Amanda dismisses Laura's admission and emphasizes the importance of charm and marriage.

02:32Laura talks about her fascination with her glass figurines and the challenges she faces in the world.

03:00The scene highlights the themes of abandonment and the pressure placed on Laura.