The Truth in Perceptionan Exploration of The Glass Menagerie

The world is crafted through humanity’s perceptions, shaped by their shared experiences of the world, yet differentiated by each individual experience. Within The Glass Menagerie, by Tennessee Williams, the ideas of overwhelming truth, individual perceptions, and the flaws of humanity are all explored. Through the various characters, with a specific focus on Tom’s narration, Williams argues that the truth is only a subjective idea that is created through the perceptions of humankind, molded through humanity’s flaws. One of the greatest arguments in The Glass Menagerie is the concept that all human beings are imperfect; yet that is precisely what unites each person in civilization. Williams demonstrates this easily with his array of†¦show more content†¦While most people see love as a positive, beneficial experience, through their interactions, these characters have learned to see love as a way to reflect each other’s weaknesses. Through this exploration of flaws, Williams demonstrates how necessary it is for all humans to have a blemish, because each person then compensates for this imperfection in their perceptions. How a person is seen as wrong, flawed or imperfect, will undoubtedly shape how they view the world around them, as well as how others view them. â€Å"When people have some slight disadvantage, they cultivate other things to make up for it—develop charm—and vivacity—and—charm!† (Williams, Scene 2, 1788). It marks every experience a person endures. In this way, every human being’s perceptions are shaped by his or her flaws; it is how they make sense of the world around them. Through this use as a coping mechanism, it is clear that humans’ perceptions and illusions are better than reality itself, â€Å"she lives in a world of her own—a world of little glass ornaments†¦She plays old phonograph records and—that’s about all ( Scene 5, 1804). No matter which angle these flaws take, or how they manifest, it ultimately does not matter, because it is precisely the presence of those insecurities that unites all of humanity and allows for the common truth of man: working towards an understanding of each other. Within The Glass Menagerie,Show MoreRelatedThematic Comparison Of The Glass Menagerie And A Streetcar Named Desire1399 Words   |  6 PagesLiane Walls THTR 475C Dr. Ramirez Thematic Comparison of The Glass Menagerie and A Streetcar Named Desire Tennessee Williams is regarded as a pioneering playwright of American theatre. Through his plays, Williams addresses important issues that no other writers of his time were willing to discuss, including addiction, substance abuse, and mental illness. Recurring themes in William’s works include the dysfunctional family, obsessive and absent mothers and fathers, and emotionally damaged women