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Research Paper | English Language and Literature | Sri Lanka | Volume 9 Issue 11, November 2020

Expressionism, The Psychological Realism and Other Theatrical Devices Reflected in The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams

K. G. Swarnananda Gamage

Abstract: The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams was first staged in 1944 in America with the outbreak of the Second World War. The play marks a unique place in the American theatre due to many reasons, out of which, techniques employed in the drama too contributed immensely towards the overwhelming success, the play achieved. Expressionism among other techniques stands tall in the drama as the emotional sufferings of the American lower middle class in the mid-20th century are exposed in a rather effective manner by Tennessee Williams in the play. His realistic character portrayal and thematic social realism embedded in the play are further reinforced by the super-powerful techniques like expressionism, screen device, memory play, intimate narration, symbolism, etc. The Glass Menagerie is an autobiographical play in which we come across the way people get lost in the American dream which had been then developed as an ideal approach for a common man to lead the life one dreams of. The play, however, quite effectively questions the authenticity and practicality of the American dream, the stronger the dreams more the emotional sufferings it carries, is one of the social realities Tennessee Williams showcases in the play rather effectively with the help of powerful and influential techniques he has effectively as well as appropriately employed in the drama.

Keywords: expressionism, American dream, technique, memory play, social realism, Tennessee Williams, The Glass Menagerie

Edition: Volume 9 Issue 11, November 2020,

Pages: 267 - 270