Teacher Guide

The Glass Menagerie Lesson Plan

Relationship to Other Books

The Glass Menagerie shares much both thematically and stylistically with Williams's other plays, in particular A Streetcar Named Desire and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. To situate this play in the broader context of mid-20th century American theater, much of which was similarly dealing with the interplay of realist and expressionist techniques on stage, students might also look at plays by Eugene O'Neill and Arthur Miller, such as Long Day's Journey Into Night and A View from the Bridge.

Williams was also a poet and his style in his theatrical work is famously lyrical. Because he makes two direct references to the work of E.E. Cummings, it might be interesting for students to read both...

Join Now to View Premium Content

GradeSaver provides access to 2368 study guide PDFs and quizzes, 11017 literature essays, 2791 sample college application essays, 926 lesson plans, and ad-free surfing in this premium content, “Members Only” section of the site! Membership includes a 10% discount on all editing orders.

Join Now

Already a member? Log in