Theme Of Alcoholism In The Glass Menagerie

The Effects of Alcoholism in The Glass Menagerie Alcoholism has a harsh effect on not only the victim itself, but the family as well. The presence of an alcoholic in a family can alter the environment and cause social, cultural, and behavioral issues within the family members. Tennessee Williams’ play, The Glass Menagerie, illustrates how the characters in the play adapt and cope with the departure of their alcoholic father. The topics of alcoholism and the effects of abandonment within the play is discussed in “Tennessee Williams’ Dramatic Charade: Secrets and Lies in The Glass Menagerie”. In the article, Gilbert Debusscher identifies the behavior of the family in relation to Mr. Wingfield’s alcoholism. In his article, Debusscher argues that

Debusscher argues that Tom’s social and emotional disengagement results from a dysfunctional father figure, and eventually, a lack of one. However, it seems as though Tom’s mental instability is indeed a direct result of Amanda’s coping methods. In any dysfunctional household, Debusscher states that “Children of alcoholics are heavily burdened by the responsibility of parenting” (61). This does in fact pertain to Tom; however, as a result, Tom benefits from this burden as he becomes “the responsible child” (61). Instead, it is Amanda who creates this toxic environment in which Tom feels smothered by the pressure of meeting up to his mother’s standards. Given the circumstances, Tom must set aside his own needs in order to fulfill the needs of his family, considering the status of Amanda’s environment. Amanda tells Tom that “as soon as Laura has got somebody to take care of her, married, a home of her own, independent-why, then you’ll be free to go wherever you please, on land, on sea, whichever way the wind blows you!” (175). Amanda places the burden of supporting the family on Tom’s shoulders, causing him to feel trapped and bounded as Amanda will not set him “free” until. Tom constantly refers to the escape latter in their apartment, which symbolizes freedom from his burden. At this rate, Tom is obligated to set aside his dreams of excitement, adventure, and new experiences, and instead, provide for the rest of his family until Laura leaves the house. Until then, Tom is forced to cope with Amanda’s neurotic nagging and paranoia. As a result of these circumstances, Tom develops a disability to cope with certain situations and flee from them instead, as he does when he escapes to go the movies. In the end, it is essentially Amanda’s lack of parenting, along with her neurotic nagging,