Instruction
Part 1: This activity asks you to evaluate and comment on the characters in The Glass Menagerie. As preparation, watch the following clip from a student production and then listen to an interview with a director of the play.
University of Texas at El Paso Production (a transcript Preview the document of the production is provided)(SEE UPLOAD)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZrkORRHW9Q
Jemima Levick Interview on directing the play for the Lyceum Theater
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vA3LO23PZr8
Part 1. The Wingfield family usually raises strong reactions in readers. Some see Laura as a shy pathetic girl who merits our sympathy; others see her as annoying and childish and would apply Tough Love and kick her out of the house. Some see Amanda as pushy, obnoxious driving her kids to distraction; others see her as a brave and valiant mother trying to do her best for her family despite poverty and being abandoned by her husband. Some see Tom as selfish and irresponsible and think he should give up his own wishes and desires for his family; others understand he is suffocating and must leave. This play is a good example of drama as literature and drama as theater as we have previously discussed. When they play is actually performed live, the physical appearance, vocal tone, mannerisms of the actors can influence how you perceive the characters.
Analyze the major characters in the play and justify your interpretations with evidence from the text. Note any agreement/disagreement with your classmates.
Part 2, this activity asks you to analyze the moral dilemma presented in the play Trifles .
We have seen women breaking the law before (Antigone, Nora) and now we see two more (hiding evidence, hindering a prosecution, obstruction of justice). But are Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters following a higher law, based on feminist sympathy? Isn’t Mrs. Wright a victim of domestic abuse? Wouldn’t a good lawyer get her off on a spousal abuse defense? There are many symbols in the play that get our attention and the attitude of the men toward the women is significant. Whose side are you on?
reference
Glass Menagerie p. 1606
Trifles p. 1107