The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams

Literature Lesson Plans - Sykalo Eugen 2024

The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams

Grade Level: 11th or 12th Grade (adaptable)

Subject: English Literature

Time Allotment: 5 days (60 minutes each)

Learning Objectives:

  • Students will be able to identify the major themes of the play, such as illusion vs. reality, memory, and escape.
  • Students will analyze the characters' motivations and conflicts.
  • Students will understand the significance of symbolism in the play.
  • Students will be able to discuss the play's historical and social context.
  • Students will develop critical thinking, discussion, and writing skills.

Materials:

  • Copies of "The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams
  • Whiteboard or projector
  • Markers or pens
  • Chart paper
  • Construction paper or other materials for activity (optional)

Lesson Plan:

Day 1: Introduction & Setting the Stage

  1. Introduction (10 minutes): Begin with a brief discussion about Tennessee Williams and his background. Introduce the play's title, "The Glass Menagerie," and have students brainstorm possible interpretations of the title.
  2. Historical Context (10 minutes): Briefly discuss the Great Depression and its impact on American society. Explain how this context might influence the themes of the play.
  3. Setting the Stage (20 minutes): Read Act 1, Scene 1 together as a class. Discuss the importance of stage directions and how they establish the setting, characters, and mood. Analyze Tom's opening monologue and its role in introducing the play's themes.
  4. Character Analysis (20 minutes): Divide students into groups and assign each group a character: Tom, Amanda, Laura, Jim. Have each group create a character chart that identifies the character's traits, motivations, and conflicts.

Day 2: Illusion vs. Reality

  1. Review (10 minutes): Briefly review the plot and key points from Act 1.
  2. Illusion vs. Reality (20 minutes): Discuss the theme of illusion vs. reality throughout the play. Use specific examples from Act 1, such as Amanda's obsession with her past and Laura's glass menagerie. Have students brainstorm other ways in which characters create or escape into illusions.
  3. Symbolism (20 minutes): Introduce the concept of symbolism in drama. Analyze the symbolism of the glass menagerie and how it connects to Laura's character. Encourage students to identify other potential symbols in the play.
  4. Activity (Optional) (20 minutes): Students can create a visual representation of the theme using drawings, collages, or other media.

Day 3: Dreams and Escape

  1. Review (10 minutes): Briefly review the plot and key points from Act 2.
  2. Dreams and Escape (20 minutes): Discuss the theme of dreams and escape in the play. Analyze Tom's desire to escape his responsibilities and Laura's retreat into her glass menagerie. Explore how other characters, like Amanda, also seek escape from reality.
  3. Close Reading (20 minutes): Focus on a specific scene from Act 2 (e.g., the dinner scene with Jim) and conduct a close reading activity. Students can analyze character interactions, dialogue, and stage directions to understand the characters' motivations and conflicts.

Day 4: Family Dynamics and Responsibility

  1. Review (10 minutes): Briefly review the plot and key points from Acts 2 and 3.
  2. Family Dynamics (20 minutes): Analyze the complex family dynamics in the Wingfield household. Discuss the roles of Amanda, Tom, and Laura, and how their relationships with each other contribute to the play's central themes. Explore the theme of responsibility and how each character grapples with their obligations.
  3. Character Choices (20 minutes): Divide students into pairs and assign them a specific character. Have them discuss and debate the choices that character makes throughout the play. Encourage students to consider the character's motivations and the consequences of their actions.

Day 5: Reflection and Assessment

Writing Assignment (Optional): Students can choose from various writing assignments to demonstrate their understanding of the play. Here are some ideas:

  • Themed Essay: Analyze a central theme of the play, such as illusion vs. reality, memory, or escape. Use textual evidence to support your claims.
  • Character Analysis: Write an in-depth analysis of a specific character, exploring their motivations, actions, and significance to the play's themes.
  • Creative Writing: Write a monologue from the perspective of one of the characters, reflecting on their experiences and emotions.
  • Modern Retelling: Briefly rewrite a scene from the play in a modern setting, exploring how the themes might resonate with contemporary audiences.

Differentiation:

  • Scaffold activities and discussions for students who need additional support.
  • Provide extension activities for advanced students, such as researching the history of expressionist theatre (a style that influenced Williams' work).
  • Offer alternative assessment options for students who struggle with traditional writing assignments.

Assessment:

  • Participation in class discussions
  • Character charts and close reading activities
  • Exit ticket responses
  • Writing assignments (if applicable)

Extension Activities:

  • Watch a film adaptation of "The Glass Menagerie" and compare it to the play.
  • Research Tennessee Williams' life and explore how his own experiences influenced his writing.
  • Stage a short scene from the play in class.