The Glass Menagerie Lesson Plan

What are Amanda's fears and motivations?

Amanda is often driven by concern for the well-being of her children, worry for her own comfort, and fear of destitution. She is worried that Laura will spend her life idling without work or husband and that Tom has descended into a life of vice, taking little care to keep the job that is supporting the family financially. She's also worried about how people will view her family. Students can discuss whether and to what extent they feel her worries are well-founded.

Is Amanda right to want Laura to go to business college or marry when Laura is clearly resistant to both? Is she right to have the expectations she has for Tom's job...