Jim Arrives

The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams

"Jim: You will regret it when they turn the lights off. Tom: I won't be here" (Williams, page 1269).

Scene Six of the play brought Jim to come to the home for dinner. Laura is described to be radiating like glass in sunlight. This temporary radiation seems to foreshadow that Laura will temporarily come out of her shell for Jim. The previous encounter with Jim in high school signifies that she will like him initially where she could open up to him. Although Laura is glowing, Amanda is still condescending toward Laura. Amanda directly neglects Laura by directly telling Laura she is sick of her nonsense. This intense confrontation could possibly break Laura down again where she will not want to be social. Furthermore, Jim seems to contrast Tom in a good way. Tom has not taken opportunity but has plenty of potential. Jim took opportunity but failed and is stuck where Tom is. Jim pushes Tom to go for his dreams even though his mother does not agree. Also for the first time, Amanda admits to Jim that she has spoken too much about her past and allows Jim to speak. This symbolizes Amanda letting Jim take a place in their family that is much needed for change from their downhill cycle of friction and unhappiness.