Symbolism is an aspect used in several novels of today's and yesterday's world. In the book, The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Willams, symbols are a major part of this play. As Tom, the narrator, is a poet, and admits he has a weakness for symbols. There are three prominent symbols in this play that stick out more than anything. One major symbol presented in the story is the fire escape, a symbol that has a …showed first 75 words of 1006 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1006 total…create a wonderful and powerful play using a combination of different elements, with one being symbolism; the fire escape, as a sense of hope, and an escape both to the outside world and from it; the glass menagerie, a symbol for Laura's fragility and uniqueness; and rainbows, as symbols of unrealized hopes and aspirations. Through these symbols a greater understanding of the theme is realized, and "The Glass Menagerie" is made into a powerful epic.