3. The Glass Menagerie

I found it interesting how the word glass was used in more than just describing Laura's menagerie. For example, in the final scene as Jim is trying to get Laura to dance with him, he says "I'm not made out of glass". To me, this statement defines them as foil characters. In the descriptions of the family at the beginning of the play, Laura is described as being fragile like glass. Jim is not fragile. He is not introverted or shy like Laura, and he does not lack confidence. Although, Jim tries to convince Laura that she does not have to be like glass, he is ultimately the one that seems to break her. For the first time of the play, the audience saw a different Laura. But just like Jim breaks the class unicorn, he breaks her by saying he cannot visit again, and that he is engaged.