The Glass Menagerie - Witty Title Goes Here

I'll take on the sixth question with this post: "How do the various physical effects reinforce the meanings and contribute to the emotional effects?" Tennessee Williams was very precise in how he wanted his play to be presented. The stage directions throughout are extremely explicit, and everything from the music to the body language to the lighting is outlined in detail. On numerous occasions, it is noted that a character should sigh while saying a line, which helps to show exactly how they're feeling about the current conversation. Even gestures like Tom throwing down the paper as he exits the building helps to show his frustration. Also, the stage directions often help add to the nonrealistic nature of the play. When Tom asks "who ever escaped from a coffin without removing a single nail?" the father's picture conveniently lights up, as if to say "This Guy!" Also, Tennessee Williams tells us exactly when certain songs start playing, like when "The Glass Menagerie" starts playing right before anything dramatic happens, as if to say "Hey, pay attention, this is important!" Ultimately, the explicit physical effects help to make the meaning of certain events much more easily recognized and discerned and also helps show the emotions of the characters.