In 1944, Tennessee Williams created a play, The Glass Menagerie, which explores themes such as entrapment and the fragility of dreams. It also highlights neurodiversity in various ways.
In The Glass Menagerie, Williams created a character named Laura who is inspired by Williams’ sister, Rose. Rose was diagnosed with schizophrenia, and eventually, her increasingly erratic behavior led to estrangement from her beloved brother, institutionalization, insulin shock treatments, and even a lobotomy.
Williams showcases differing responses to neurodivergence through his character’s treatment of Laura. Clay Morton, in his essay about neurodiversity, argues that if Rose’s condition were analyzed today, she would likely be diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. Tennessee Williams utilizes the characteristics of Rose while writing Laura and contrasts Amanda’s individualized response to Laura’s neurodivergence with Morton’s structured recommendation for supporting autistic children. This allows us to explore how various strategies shape the experiences of neurodivergent individuals across different stages of life.
In The Glass Menagerie, Laura endures familial pressures similar to those experienced by her sister Rose, which not only constrain her personal growth but also contribute to the fragmented dynamics within the family. At the very beginning of the play, Amanda tells Laura, “to stay fresh and pretty—for gentleman callers!” Amanda lives in her own illusions, forces Laura to do what she wants, and doesn’t consider what Laura may need. Laura’s mental health is already at a low point, and such pressure makes her mental state even worse.
Morton shares incredible insight into Tennessee and Rose Williams’ lives, explaining that their mother’s “obsessive and inflexible prudishness” impacted Rose’s mental status significantly. Pressuring people with constant insults and commands can hurt someone to the point of complete disengagement from society and make their already difficult cognitive issues even worse. Rose felt isolated because of how her mother treated her. People with cognitive issues require constant support, not constant belittling. Tennessee Williams saw all of the pressures his mother would impart on his sister and used this inspiration when developing Laura’s character.
Jim, in The Glass Menagerie, offers Laura comfort and demonstrates how people should interact with individuals suffering from cognitive issues. Morton appreciates the addition of Jim in The Glass Menagerie, stating that “he shows a surprising amount of insight into the positive aspects of neurodiversity” (Morton pg 9). Tennessee Williams includes Jim’s character as an example of how to uplift people with mental health issues. Instead of causing people with neurological conditions to feel bad or ashamed about themselves, we should help them boost their self-confidence and learn to believe in themselves. Jim empowers Laura to see her full potential, even sharing that “being different is nothing to be ashamed of” (Williams pg 87). He provides a positive influence on Laura and shows that people with cognitive disabilities often think of themselves as inferior to others when they should instead embrace their differences. Although people may struggle mentally, they can do anything and shouldn’t doubt themselves. Tennessee Williams created the character Jim to show how people should treat those who suffer from cognitive issues or mental health struggles.
Ultimately, The Glass Menagerie is more than just the figment of a family holding onto their lost dreams; it is a deeper reflection of neurodivergence, shaped by Williams’ very own sister. This play contrasts Amanda’s overcontrolling instincts with Jim’s encouragement and Morton’s recommendations. This makes the reader question how certain responses to neurodivergence can be restrictive or freeing. Williams’ portrayal of Laura demonstrates a sign of kindness.
