Vocabulary
Candelabrum - branched candle, ornamental, multiple lights
Menagerie - a collection of live animals for study or display
Scene seven of Tennessee William's "The Glass Menagerie" concluded the play on a somewhat bittersweet note. While the first six scenes of the play focused on both Tom and Laura's struggles, scene seven offered several moments of hope and potential happiness for the family. Laura reconnects with Jim, her so-called "gentleman caller," and miraculously opens up to him despite her inability to open up to anyone else other than her family. However, Laura returns to emotional turmoil when she learns that Jim is engaged, and her only chance at love is smothered immediately. Tom, on the other hand, concludes the play by abandoning the family in search of freedom and to "fill his father's shoes." While this act most likely causes stress to his mother and sister, he is finally setting out to gain the freedom he had always strived for. As he leaves the home he says, "Blow out your candles, Laura - and so, goodbye..." marking his embark to a new life without them.
In his short story, "The Catastrophe of Success," William expresses his anger and frustration of being famous. He hates people congratulating him on his play; he hates having people wait on him; he hates not doing anything on his own anymore. He says, "You should not have many people waiting on you, you should have to do most things for yourself." I completely agree with this statement; overall, I would say that I generally feel much better about myself when I do things for myself, feeling much more accomplished afterwards.
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