- What was the significance of the visible set during the play? Why do you think the director chose to have the bare set, stagehands, etc. visible during the narrated parts?
- The scene between Laura and Jim was longer on stage than in the manuscript studied in class. What effect did this have on the meaning of that scene?
- How did you feel about the character of Amanda during the class-reading of the play? How did you feel about the character of Amanda seen on stage? Compare your feelings here.
- Was the portrayal of Laura effective according to what you understand about how Williams crafted her on paper? Explain.
- Tennessee Williams' characters are known for being "tragically flawed." What does this mean to you? Pick one character and discuss his or her tragic flaws. Can you relate to any of these? Explain.
- At which moments during the production did you hear music? How did this affect the audience? Did the timing of the music or song selection enhance the production? Why or why not?
- Analyze the use of cigarette smoking on-stage. To what degree was it effective? Ineffective?
- In the manuscript version and in the production version, Tom leaves at the end of the play. Which ending do you feel was more powerful? Explain.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Theatregoers Blog
This blog is for students who attended the play, The Glass Menagerie, as part of the Herberger Theater grant awarded to honors and Advanced Placement students at Maryvale High School. Students who attended this play, should post a blog that answers at least 4 out of the 8 discussion questions below.
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3. The way I personally felt about the character of Amanda during the class-reading play was annoying. I felt she would yell at her daughter for day dreaming and not really living in the present instead in her own little world when at the same time so was she, had false hopes for herself, Tom, and poor Laura. When I was able to feel Amanda on stage it gave me a better idea to how her allusions of her hope for the future was, proving my feelings towards her right.
ReplyDelete4. Laura’s portrayal on stage had an immense impact on how sorry I felt for her. The way she was confused, and so unsure of herself due to her leg and her lack of confidence which was noticeable in her shyness. This helped me understand her more in that I was able to notice her shaking and her facial impressions on certain things.
5. I was able to noticed right away how Tennessee Williams' characters are tragically flawed due to how Toms', Amanda’s', and Laura’s' life were. Laura especially had a huge problem in public and just simply in life. She was living in her own little world with glass ornaments that kept her company. An ordinary person surpasses the tragic leg, the loss of a father and the embarrassment of throwing up; Laura in the other hand never does and therefore gives up on her own life. I personally cannot relate on any of these characters.
7. I believe the use of cigarette smoking on stage was uncomfortable to my breathing although made me realize how horrible Toms' habit is, and how much he really needs it due to his problems. It has an effective way of showing how it calms him down, and how when he is under pressure or when Amanda is screaming and yelling at him his first instinct is to grab another cigarette.
1.) I feel that the director chose to have the set this way because the play is based upon memory, and in memory small details are rarely remembered and when they are they spontaneously generate into the mind's eye. I feel that the visible stage hands were the literal version of the mind's eye adding the details being remembered.
ReplyDelete2.) The scene between Laura and Jim being longer I feel was necassary for the audience to understand how much of a life changing expierence Jim was for laura. The scene was spent analyzing Laura, getting to know her and her feelings about herself and how others percieve her.
3.)In the script I did not picture the character of Amanda being so pompous. In the play she was extremely arragant and it made me realize that the voice I heard in my head while reading the script was too mono-tone to hear it. I feel that the play really captured the way Tennessee Williams would have portrayed her if he were to put his own play on stage.
7.) I felt that the cigarette smoking on stage was very effective and it gave a more realistic feel. Scent is the strongest sense tied to memory and everyone knows what a cigarette smells like so its as if you're being sucked into his memories by smelling the smoke.
1.The significance of the set during the play was to remind people that those were real actors on the stage and having the set be visible lets you put yourself in the play.
ReplyDelete2. The scene was longer because the negative relationship between Jim and his mother Amanda, was extremely important and had a lot to do with how the fighting actually affected Laura.
3. Reading the play in the class I felt that all Amanda did during the whole play was nag at Jim, and control Laura. Watching the play however, I felt a different tone. She actually cares for her children and shows a sense of worry on her face. Even when she fought with Jim she still seemed more sweet and sincere, compared to when i read the play.
4. It was affective to use the cigarette and stage because it set the time period. It was ineffective because throughout the play I noticed that the people in the audience closest to the smoke were very uncomfortable, and it even distracted them from seeing the play at times.
4. The character of Laura I thought was really well played, the actor really gave more than I had anticipated. She got the essence of her character across to the audience.
ReplyDelete5. Being “tragically flawed” to me, means that you are sort of unperfect as all humans are, but these flaws are also noticable and make you handicaped. One of the characters who is well knowed in this story for being “tragically flawed” is the character of Laura. She is physically and mentally handicaped, she is crippled in one of her legsmaking her walk with a crutch and also she is terribly shy which makes her shut herself out from the world! I, myself cannot relate to any of her flaws, for I am far more blessed than Laura was (not to be mean).
8. I feel in the manuscript version of the play the ending was more powerful, don’t get me wrong the actors were unbelievable, but towards then end it seemed to me like they got sloppy! Both versions are the same in the sense that they say the same thing, but just picturing the scene for yourself lets your imagination soar which makes that scene way more important to you!
1.)The significance of the visible play was the connection attained that would have been impossible otherwise. This play allowed me to visualize rather than having to sit and read. I believe the bare set in the play was to purposefully remind the audience that they are witnessing a play, and thus allowing the audience to use personal experience to relate to the story.
ReplyDelete2.)The scene with Jim and Laura was longer in the play than in the manuscript to show emphasis on that particular moment. I felt that this specific scene is the climax and its length mirrored its importance.
4.)Laura’s portrayal in the play was extremely effective in my personal understanding of what Tennessee Williams portrayed on paper. Tennessee Williams wrote about Laura and her disability, but the actual sight of an extremely shy, socially awkward, and crippled Laura on stage allowed me to truly understand Laura’s character.
7.)I personally believe that the cigarette smoking on stage was ineffective. It was affective however in the way it allowed me to feel as if I was in the play, but the smoke and the constant coughing of individuals who were less tolerable to the smoke quickly distracted the cause.
1. I think he chose to have a bare set because it made people feel like they could of put themselfs in that position and actually connect with the story.
ReplyDelete2. I thought that visually it shows us how much chemistery they both really had and how attached Laura got to him. As in the story we didn't really have to see anything it just told us that they connected.
3. In the class reading I really thought she was very quiet but still obsessed about getting Laura a gentlemen caller. But in the actual play she had such a strong character she really showed how she was by telling stories about her past.
5. I feel like he shows that he never felt secure about something like him sexuality. Like Tom in the play, he would go to the "movies" every night as if he had to hide something from everyone.
6. At the end of the play when Laura is sitting alone with the candles and Tom is talking about her there is music being played and it gives you this feeling as if it's Laura and how she felt at the moment and when he says "blow out ur candles Laura" the music stops saying as if shes gone in some way.
7. I thought the cigarette and the smell really made us feel as if we were really part of it and feeling what they were feeling, as if we were connecting with the characters. In my perspective it was very effective and it enhanced the play.
2. I think that the scene between Laura and Jim was longer on stage because it was the moment that everyone was waiting for, it was the climax the most important thing that ever hapened on Laura’s life. It was the turning point after that scene nothing would be the same for Laura and for Tom.
ReplyDelete3.- during the class reading of the play I felt that Amanda was over protecting their childs. During the performance I felt like she was obssesed with the gentlememn callers, she was kind of annoying and although she tried to do everything so their childs would be happy she just made them feel worst about theirselfs.
4.- in my opinion the Laura from the play was the same as the laura portrayed on paper, they both lived in their own world, and during the performance I felt really bad for her because eher life was passing in front of her and she wasn’t doing anything much.
8.- I felt like the end of the play on stage was more powerful than the one on paper because it was most about Laura being on her own, and about Tom feeling bad about leaving her behind. The actors did a really good job and this last scene was like the perfect end.
1. The director chose to have the bare set, stagehands, etc. visible during the narrated parts because he wanted to keep reminding us that we were seeing an actuall play.
ReplyDelete2. The kiss between Jim and Laura was longer in the production version because they wanted to show us how long it actually took Laura to let her self out of her own little world.
3. My feelings for Amanda were actually the same during both the actual play and the cllass-reading. Amanda was identical in both, she was bossy and wanted everything herway.
8. The ending that was more powerful to me was the one in the manuscript version because I imagined it more dark and sad and everything and in the production he just left and that was it.
1. The director chose to have a bare set, stagehands, etc. to remind us that this was a play and those were actors playing a part. For the audience to be able to relate themselves to the play.
ReplyDelete2. The scene between Laura and Jim was longer in the play than the manuscrip was because they wanted us to see how Jim made a great difference in Lauras life and how she could easily be able to talk to him and be herself.
7. The cigarrete made me cough and it smell bad although they said it was organic scented cigartte. The effective way of showing that the cigarette was an escape for Tom due to all the problems he had with his mom screaming all the time. The ineffective way was that it was a bad addiction he had to calm him down.
1. I think the director wanted his audience to see the way Tom remembered his home, as much or as little as he remembered, it was there for the sole purpose of memory.
ReplyDelete2. It made the scene much more significant than before, it was the most realistic scene from this "memory" play.
3. Amanda always had a worried look on her face. I was lucky to sit close enough to see their expressions. The Amanda from the reading seemed always frustrated and sometimes even selfish, but with her vocal tones and facial expressions, her character shifts dramatically.
4. Yes, Laura was exactly how I pictured her to be, every movement, every gesture was excellently preformed.
3. During the class-reading of the play, I was extremely annoyed by Amanda. She seemed to always be nagging or complaining about something insignificant. I could feel Tom's annoyance and frustrations with his mother. On stage, Amanda was a million times more annoying. The way she spoke added to how irritated she made me. On stage, she seemed much more caring for her kids, though. She appeared to genuinely care about her children's well-being and future through her facial expressions and her willingness to do anything needed to get Jim to like Laura.
ReplyDelete4. The portrayal of Laura was very effective and clearly portrayed how much she suffers in her daily life. She always needs constant help from her crutch or from her mother. It also seemed like she was always afraid of her mother. Her voice was shaky and she didn't seem confident in herself at all. The only times she truly seemed happy were when she was polishing her glass and when she was speaking with Jim. As she spoke with Jim, she appeared more at ease and willing to talk without fear or nervousness. Overrall, her character was very effectively portrayed and allowed the audience to feel her pain.
5. To me, "tragically flawed" means that a person has imperfections or something holding them back that causes their quality of life to be less than it should be. The most obvious "tragically flawed" character in The Glass Menagerie is Laura. She has a physical disability that causes her to have to use a crutch. That singles her out and makes her an outcast from the rest of society. This, then, leads her to be terribly shy and lack in self-confidence. She isolates herself from the rest of the world. Her only enjoyment comes in the form of small glass ornaments and playing old records. When Jim, the gentlemen caller, comes to her door, she is extremely nervous and doesn't want to open the door. This shows how frightened she is of the outside world and won't interact with it unless she's forced to. I can slightly relate to Laura because sometimes I just don't want to talk to anybody so I live in my own little world, but I'd go crazy if I didn't have some form of outside interaction!
7. The cigarette smoking on-stage was pretty effective. It gave a more realistic feel to the play due to the aromas in the air. It also made me realize how much the characters smoke in the play. Any time there is stress, Tom or Jim reach for another cigarette. I also think the people coughing from the smoke were exaggerating since it wasn't even a real cigarette!
2. To me it had the effect of that Jim was really leading. You could tell just by his mannerisms and everything that he knew what he wanted with Laura. There is no other reason to call her over to sit by him, or dance with him. The scene just really showed you the innocence of Laura and how slowly her shell was starting to come off.
ReplyDelete5. Amanda has the tragic flaw of not wanting to get young. Just as in his other play, “Streetcar Named Desire,” with the character Blanche Dubois. They both have the tragic flaw of getting older, but wanting to stay in the young skin that they were once in. So they draw in young men and try to relive there past that they once had.
7. The cigarette smoking was effective to the fullest degree. It brings out to you how much Tom smokes to try and cloud his mind from the things that are at hand, he is living in a complete dream world.
8. To me the production version was more effective because you could visually see Tom talking to his sister after he had left. It was just stronger than you reading it because you couldn’t fully grasp what was going on. Then at the end when Laura blows out her candles, it was just powerful.
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ReplyDelete2. The scene between Laura and Jim was longer on stage because this was very important to Laura and it showed the audience how significant it was to her. After this point nothing was ever the same between Tom, Laura, and Amanda.
ReplyDelete3. In the class reading, Amanda seemed like she was only nagging at Tom and loving Laura. It was very different in the play because she wanted the best for both of her children. I was able to determine this based of her facial expressions.
7. The cigarette on stage was meant for the audience to know how Tom "relaxed" after an argument. That was the only way he would forget his problems with Amanda and his money problems.
8. I believe that the ending of the play was better, more significant, because it showed how he couldn't take it any longer. The whole working in the factoring and the constant nagging of her mother Amanda.
1. The significance of the visible set during the play was to connect to the audience in a manner that wouldn't have been possible if taken the road of an actual play. Being able to see backstage and everything, reminds the audience that it is a play, therefore letting the imagination ponder on it's own what it would be like to be in the situations and circumstances that the characters were in. Giving the audience a deeper view into the play.
ReplyDelete3. During the class-reading of the play, I felt that Amanda's character had not much of a say with what went in at her house. She was just there, taking everything her mother and Tom had to say or give. Amanda's character, as seen on stage, seemed to have a stronger role, in that the choices made by the mother and Tom, were in regard to Laura, and what's best for her. I feel that it is better to have things be chosen in thought of Laura because it shows the relationship between the 3 of them and the connection/bond they have. One is able to see what goes on with each of them, and it is better overall.
7. The use of cigarette-smoking in the play was quite effective. It showed how much Tom actually smoke and what it did to him. It seemed as if the smoking relaxed him, and made him forget. Using it on stage showed the necessity that the character of Tom had for it.
8. I feel that the ending in the play was more powerful than that of the manuscript because one was able to see the connection with tom and Laura and him speaking to her. It was more relevant for the audience to have it end that certain way, instead of in the manuscript. Although that manuscript did good in letting the readers think about how the conversation or the scene went along, seeing it in a different perspective helped unfold the relationship between Tom and Laura.
#1. Having a visible play was significant in that it included the audience into the time period and the characters themselves. Seeing the expressions we otherwise couldn't see on paper helped me understand the character much more. I believe the stagehands were visible because Tennessee Williams "The Glass Menagerie" was a memory play therefore its a faith memory considering when we remember things things around us continue to move forward. We remember as we move things or add things. and Thats what the characters did they moved the stuff themselves to remind us we are watching a memoir.
ReplyDelete#3. During the class reading Amanda seemed very hard on her kids. I could see she cared about them but i felt horrible for Tom and Laura. It seemed to me that their mother gives them a hard time. However in the play, when i was able to see Amanda and Laura together having a conversation it was different. Even though see was still selfish to think of her southern past she should love and gentleness towards Laura.
#2. I believe it was necessary for the Jim and Laura scene to be longer. The time Jim spent with her showed the dedication in helping her feel more comfortable. The longer he spent with her the more clearly Laura could speak and be herself. We clearly saw that Jim cared and stayed with her until it was time to leave because in he's opinion Laura was healed just like the Unicorn who lost his horn.
#8. The ending that was much powerful when Tom leaves is the one in the play. This is because Laura's expression was very to the fullest feeling of what the character felt. The action of Laura blowing out the candles and walking away from tom send a wave of emotion to you as what Tom might have felt saying goodbye.
I really like what Jose said about Amanda "always frustrated and sometimes even selfish" It how i felt about her when i read the play. Though when i saw the character upstage i felt sympathy for her seeing her worried and the tone of her voice. I was wrong she does care.
ReplyDeleteI liked how Adriana put in the fact about Tennessee's homosexuality, and how he, in a way, interpreted that into Tom's character. I agree with her in that Tom going to the movies,w hat seemed to be every night, is a symbol for him hiding something he does not wish to share with his family, or anyone else for that matter.
ReplyDelete3.) When I read the play, I found Amanda to be a mother who likes to nag all the time. Not only rhat, she seemed like all she wanted is to change her own children in her own way instead of letting them decide what is best. As for the play, Amanda actually seemed like a very caring mother that worries too much. She was more sensitive on stage. Somehow, in the play she expresses herself more with ever little tear she lets down.
ReplyDelete7.) The use of the cigarette-smoking in the play was effective. It showed how much Tom actually smoked and how depressed he was with his family. One was being upset about his mother criticizing him and another about his sister that is alone and needs the love from someone.Basically, smoking would get his mind off things.
8.) Tom leaving was stronger in the play because with the long and loud agruement he had with his mother showed more espression on how they both felt. Besides that, the way how Laura reacted when she saw her brother leaving and heading down the stairs, it helped the audience actually fit more in the scene. basically, being able to feel the same way and how much hurt was given to laura. I think that the look on Laura's face helped make "Tom leaving" a more and dramatic effect.
#1.) The significance of the visible set happening during the play was to help the audience understand something from the actual story that they may have not been aware of before and also just a way to enjoy someone’s written piece being performed before your eyes. The bare set was to show how plain the Wingfield family’s life was yet it was so tragic, that way it was able to draw more attention to their emotions and all the expressions on their faces. All of the stagehands being visible were probably just to help the story move smoothly and keep that sort of sad and hopeless vibe going throughout.
ReplyDelete#2.)Because the scene between Laura and Jim took longer on stage it effected the meaning towards Laura, showing how significant that moment was for her from her point of view. Seeming like everything would go in slow motion and she would pay attention to every word and movement that came from Jim. Especially the kiss, it was much longer than in the manuscript really getting the audience to feel the way Laura did.
#3.)The character of Amanda during the class-reading of the play seemed to be very concerned bout her children’s lives as well as on stage but there she seemed to be much more nagging and came off being strongly irritating, especially to Tom. The part was played very well, really showing her concerns and up to what extent she’s willing to go to make sure her expectations are met. It was great how she was really able to literally annoy me with the thought of having someone like that looking over me making sure I do everything THEY want jus how she did with Tom and Laura.
#6.)During the production we would mostly hear music playing when Tom would be “thinking” out loud it was good timing, really helped to feel what Tom was saying. Seemed to draw the attention of the audience and set the mood, that way not only would they understand the obvious but also once the thoughts in the character’s mind was brought out it helped to add to the longing desire Tom had to be free but was still attached to his family.
I really liked what Sheila said about the reason why the stagehands were there, I never really pictured it in that way of it being because it is a memoir or a memory play. It makes sense in why they would makes sure stagehands were available to keep things moving forward, since it happens the same way when we remember something, we just move on. Good stuff!
ReplyDelete1.The significance of the visible set during the play was to keep us intentionally aware that it was a memory play, not a typical entertaining story. I believe the director choose to have the bare set, stagehands, etc. visible during the narrated parts because like in a memory we remember the gist of the recollection, not exactly everything or at least everything around it; we remember the important part. I believe that’s what the director wanted us to remember, not the beautiful decorations or outfits, but the main important points of the memory.
ReplyDelete3. The actress, who portrayed Laura, had hold of what Williams crafted her to be on paper. She was very effected. She embraced how awkward she truly was and shy, for example her facial expressions explain how Laura would tense up in scenes. Tennessee Williams had Laura crippled and the actress did exactly that. You knew she was an actress portraying someone, yet it seem like it was herself. As an audience, you understand how Laura seemed to be like on paper, we just had the chance to see it.
7. The cigarette on stage surprised me. I feel it’s weird to be smoking around young people, but I believe it was effective. During those times, many people smoked, so it explained the time period. Every time you smoke, there’s a drag and I felt Tom felt his life was a drag; therefore, he smoked. To me, it was symbolic. He was unhappy with his life so he acquired this habit to intake what his life really was, a drag. The only thing that hurt the use of the cigarette was when the audience would cough because of it. It became annoying because I knew the audiences were just being rude. If it was performed in front of people who enjoyed the arts and appreciated, they would not had acted in this manor, childlike.
8. The more powerful ending to me was the production version. He was talking out loud and Laura was still there waiting to blow out the candles. Showing her still on stage means how significant she really was in the memory. We blow out candles when we celebrate out birthday, we have all the attention on ourselves, people around us build up suspense when we make our wish and for it to come true and when we are done, everyone’s relax because the moment had ended. While, that’s what the production version did. We ended the memory with him, Tom, we stopped holding our breaths to come to terms the moment had became a memory.
I like the defintion of Omar's response to question number five. His defintion was this, "that a person has imperfections or something holding them back that causes their quality of life to be less than it should be." I agree with his answer because T. Williams had most of his character be tragic, something that was holding the back from life. Amanda always needing to worry about her strange kids. Tom having to do things he really wish he didn't. And Laura, who is too shy to interact with anyone, so i believe this defintion is correct.
ReplyDelete-What was the significance of the visible set during the play? Why do you think the director chose to have the bare set, stagehands, etc. visible during the narrated parts?
ReplyDeleteI believe that the director decided to do this so that the audience wont forget that they are watching a play. Even though you are watching a memory, you are still in reality.
-The scene between Laura and Jim was longer on stage than in the manuscript studied in class. What effect did this have on the meaning of that scene?
This was the moment when Laura began to come out of her shell so the director decided to emphasize it. This was done by making it last longer.
-Was the portrayal of Laura effective according to what you understand about how Williams crafted her on paper? Explain.
I believe that her portrayal was very accurate. In the play she appears hopeless and pitiful just as she does in the book. Although i kind of feel that it was overly exaggerated in the play because in the book it stated that her limp was barely noticeable yet in the play, it was very noticeable.
-At which moments during the production did you hear music? How did this affect the audience? Did the timing of the music or song selection enhance the production? Why or why not?
I believe that the music appeared during the scenes when nothing entertaining was going on. The music was used to keep the audience's attention. In some other instances it was used to emphasize the moment. Such as when Jim was alone with Laura.
1. The significance of the visible, bare set during the play was to remind the watcher that the play is a memory so the narrator only remembers certain stuff. Also, that the actors are real and alive so that gives the viewer a chance to put themselves into the play as well.
ReplyDelete4. The portrayal of Laura was effective according to how Williams described her on paper because she is “crippled” on both the play and on paper. She is also very shy and is always playing the old records her father gave her as well as polishing her glass in both the play and on paper.
6. During flashbacks or sad moments would be the times I would hear music. I think this did affect the audience by them feeling what the actors feel. The music selection and timing enhanced the play because if it was a flashback, the violin would play along with the piano but if it was a sad or tragic moment, the piano and the violin would play as a duet.
7. The use of cigarette smoking was very effective because it made the viewer feel as if they were really there. Not only that but it also made me realize that Tom had a bad habit of smoking just because he was trying to get away from the responsibilities at home.
I agree with what Tyler said on responding to question number five. Amanda was living in the past and wanted to relive the times when she was young and had many gentlemen callers. Since she is older now, all she can do now is brag and fantasize about the past.
ReplyDelete1. The significance of the visible set during the play was so that the audience could portray themselves as part of the play and not only as spectators. So that we could relate in some form our lives, to that of situations that occurred during the play.
ReplyDelete2. Although in the manuscript the kissing seen was not as prolong as in the play, the director did it for a purpose. This purpose was so that, that moment was as if its own story because it was a turn of events maybe not in the story itself but in Laura’s life. That kiss was a complete new experience in Laura’s life , and how she sees the world would not be the same that was why there was so much emphasis in that part
3. Amanda in the manuscript seemed more of a nagger and over controlling woman who seemed to be stuck in the past. Although she was stuck in the past repeating her same old story, the reaction given of by the actress seemed so real it seemed to stand out or at least to me different traits. How very social she could be around men, and also how much she truly suffered for the well being of her children. She seamed more nurturing and caring in the play.
6. Music was played through out the play so the audience mood could be manipulated or guided. In sad scenes the music was slow, and soft. Also followed along with the voice of Tom when he would talk the violin would play, and when he would stop violently so would the violinist. All these things as well as the piano enhanced the theatrical experience throughout.
7. The smoking part was effective, because it created a form of environment, or mood as you smell the smoke. The mood, or thoughts that came up could all vary from person to person but the essence was there. So the play was not only enticing our hearing, and our vision but also our smell and for some probably our taste.
1.)I believe that the significance of having the stage bare and exposed was used in order to help the viewer to return from time to time from the memory of Tom Wingfield back to reality. I think this was also a gate to relate to Laura in the sense that Laura's life was also based mostly in dreams and not in reality.
ReplyDelete2.)The scene with Laura and Tom was dragged on to inspire the feeling of eternity within we, the audience. He was going to carry that image of Laura for the rest of his life and that elongated scene made her image become embedded in our minds as well, creating a more prospicient moment occur during this scene.
4.) The Laura that was introduced on stage differs from the one in the written play in the way that when you actually see her and experience how she functions as a person and how fragile and weak she really is it intensifies her roll in the story and can be understood better as a key character in the play. I also strongly feel that Laura can be a glimpse of that little part of us that resists to grow up and is highly cautious of the World around us and locks itself away from the World.
8.) I feel that Tom's exit in the play was more dramatic and powerful strictly do to the fact that I was able to see him become distant until he walked out and let the door close on his way out. That was within itself well directed and had a power of its own.
1. What was the significance of the visible set during the play? Why do you think the director chose to have the bare set, stagehands, etc. visible during the narrated parts?
ReplyDeleteI think he did this so we would know it’s a play in a play, and that the visibility in the play it gets emptier and emptier means that tom’s choice of leaving gets clearer and clearer.
3. How did you feel about the character of Amanda during the class-reading of the play?
I felt that Amanda wasn’t that important but when I saw the play it was like if everything went together like a puzzle.
3. How did you feel about the character of Amanda seen on stage?
Compare your feelings here. I felt that she didn’t care about Laura because when Jim came, she tried to get all the attention like in the old days.
5. Tennessee Williams' characters are known for being "tragically flawed." What does this mean to you? Pick one character and discuss his or her tragic flaws. Can you relate to any of these? Explain. Tom has a problem with people telling him how to live his life. That is a major flaw because when he wants to go somewhere his mother asked him where he is going and then compares him to his father. I connect with him because I need my space all the time and I hate when people ask me about every little aspect of my life.
I agree with carlo's response for question number 2 because if it would of not been for that kiss Laura would never have been able to see the world with her own eyes and wouldn't be able to enjoy it because of her Obsession with her problems.
ReplyDelete3.) During the reading of the play I was annoyed by Amanda. It seemed to like she was trying to be somethig she no longer was, and in her head she was stuck in the past. However, when I saw the play my opinion changed drastically. I saw Amnada in a different way. She went from being an anooying mom, to a mom that really wanted the best for children, she just had a different way of showing it. I also think the actress did an amazing job portraying and bringing the character to life.
ReplyDelete4.) The portrayal of Laura on stage was different to how I imagined her on paper. In paper, while reading the one in class, I saw her as extremely shy, quiet and over all out of it. But while I watched the play, it was the same character saying the same things, but not as shy. She was still acting timid, but how she was described on paper, was different to how it was portrayed on stage. Also, for some reason, I imagined Laura pale, with long blonde hair.
7.) The cigarette smoking on stage was great, other than the smell. It made everything to come life that much more. I felt like what they were acting was really happening, rather than just watching knowing its a play.
8.) When Tom leaves at the end of the play, has a differnt feeling than when he leaves on stage. Of course when he left on the stage it was more real, not to mention the intense scene before that when he is arguing with Amanda. It was a feeling of like "woah" did he just do that. That scene and the one where he argues with Amanda were my favorite, becuase I felt like it was real! As if that was a real mom and son arguing, then he walks out. I was a little upset though when some kids starting laughing because I was into it then suddenly I was distracted. ;/
3) In the play from class, I think Amanda was meaner and annoying. Reason i think this is because she would yell alot, and didn't seem like she was in the same page as her kids. Although, in the stage play Amanda seemed to care alot more about Laurs and worry a bit more on Tom. I think that after watching the play on stage it gave more of a motherly side of Amanda than on a script.
ReplyDelete8)In the way Tom leaves in the play and on stage play it was a very different feeling and the way i took it. I think the most powerful way he left was in stage for the fact that Laura and Amanda were still on stage, and Laura was still there as he talked. And that hit me because Laura was so fragil and as he spoke about about her, it made me feel that Tom shouldn't have left the way he did, and hurt Laura.
2)I think the scence of Laura and Jim being longer took a big affect. Reason I think this is, is because It highlighted more on Laura's feelings and how it protaited the character. The effect on the meaning of the scene would have been that Laura was fragil, and the love that Jim and Laura shared would not happen for her again.
7) People thought the cigarette was uncomfortable, but i didn't think it would. It was effective becuase it showed more on how Tom had a nasty habbit of doing it alot. As well as for Jim who smoked a varity of times. It made me get an image that even back than people smoked alot.
I agree with Omar and the potrayal of Laura. On stage it gave a better understanding of Laura and it showed Lauras chacter of being scared of her mother a little more, having the shaky voice and hands, and her dis-confidence for herself.
ReplyDeleteI would say he did this, because the director wanted to make it seem more real as an overall performance.
ReplyDeleteI felt that she was less of a dramatic person in the class-reading, but in the actual stage, she blew me away. I say this, because she awfully spoke. She was so judgmental towards the people around her.
It means to me that he actually pour his heart into making this characters more realistic, despite the fact that he experienced it.
I heard it more when they would refer to the past, sad times, and also when they were first introduced. The music timing and the selection of songs did create more of a sentimental, real experience for me. I almost had a tear, that's how good it was.
1. The significance of the visable play was to show the time changing expressions that is happening during throughtout play. I think the director chose to have a visible play to show the essence that the plot is changing as the play is being narrated a bit.
ReplyDelete2. The effect that the scene was longer was to have a meaning of how Laura takes time to grasp on to certain importance between her and Jim.
3. I felt that Amanda was a very overrated mother living in the past in the class reading. Though in the play she was doing only what a mother would do to protect and guide her children to a better future than she is living.
4. The portrayal of Laura in the play was effective because she acted the way Williams crafted her in a different realm of life with the arguments that Amanda and Tom portray in front of her.
1.The significance might of been that of a memory type of thing the more Tom kept telling his story the more he remembered so the more we got to see visually of the story and scenery.I think the director chose to do this because it might of been a more raw approach to the way everything was set up,something diffrent and new.It helped the audience know what was going on maybe.Or it could of just been written in the script and the director could of chosen to follow it.
ReplyDelete2.The effect could of been that it visualy showed how Laura was hesitant to fall into the moment with Jim. It completly changed the meaning I think because it showed that with time Laura could of changed and possibly could of came out of her shell,thats how i took it.
4.The portrayal of Laura was effective because her character was crippled and Laura seemed to be very shy to the point she could of been mentally ill. From what I know about Tennessee Williams most of the characters he wrote about were in a way "tragically flawed".In that sense Laura did have her flaws.
8.I feel that in the production it was more powereful because we could visualy see on waht terms he left and what was happening at the time.It almost felt like we were experiencing the moment with Tom. We saw and almost felt the emotions,thats why i thought it was more pwereful.
1.The director chose to have the bare set, stagehands, and everything else on stage so that the audience wouldn’t forget they were at a play. I believe this had a lot to do with the whole memory concept of the play. Tennessee Williams didn’t want you to lose the idea that you were watching something that had already happened and not happening.
ReplyDelete2.This scene had the effect of eternal longing, on Laura’s part, for this moment. I felt like she had been waiting for this her whole life and when it finally happens, she doesn’t want it to end.
3.When we read the script in class, I felt as if Amanda was more pushy than on stage, she seemed somewhat heartless in class. On stage, I felt the love she had for her children and how much she cares for their future. But, in both she nagged a lot.
4.I expected Laura to be more anti-social than she was on stage. I felt like she could’ve been more mentally disabled, according to the script, on stage than she appeared to be on stage.
5.Tom seemed “tragically flawed” in his life. He seems to have been brought down from accomplishing his dreams and passions. He seems hopeless and it is tragic how much he wants, knowing he will never receive.
6.Music was played a lot throughout the production and this made the audience more aware, I think, of everything that occurred on stage. The timing and song selection enhanced the production by showing us how Laura was feeling or show us the intensity of what was happening.
7.The cigarette smoke was effective on stage, because it added a sense of reality to what was happening. Not only that, it connected the audience to the characters and what they were portraying.
1. The director chose to have a bare set, stagehands, etc. to remind us that this was a play and those were actors playing a part. For the audience to be able to relate themselves to the play.
ReplyDelete2. The scene between Laura and Jim was longer in the play than the manuscrip was because they wanted us to see how Jim made a great difference in Lauras life and how she could easily be able to talk to him and be herself.
7. The cigarrete made me cough and it smell bad although they said it was organic scented cigartte. The effective way of showing that the cigarette was an escape for Tom due to all the problems he had with his mom screaming all the time. The ineffective way was that it was a bad addiction he had to calm him down.
3.On both the class reading and the play Amanda seem nagging all the time.But in class reading she seem to put all the pressure on Tom since he was the care taker for the family. On the stage Amanda cared for the well being of her two children and for them to have a good future.
I agree with Rena about the set. I never really thought about it but it is true that in memories we only remember the important stuff, not the insignificant little details. I also agree on what Rena said about the audience being immature when they smoked. As soon as people coughed, others started coughing and it was annoying and distracting.
ReplyDeleteLastly, I also agree with Ashley’s response about the impact of the final scene. In the play, with Laura still there, it felt more like Tom was abandoning his sister. It leaves more of an impression on you when you see him in his new life but you still see what he left behind to pursue his own desires.
3.I thought Amanda was crazy and talked a lot.She always has to put her input in everything even when it's not needed.She was also worried about Laura too much and was always in Toms face about everything he did.In the play I found her the same exact way but a little more annoyying because she was real!.
ReplyDelete6. I heard music throughout the whole play at different times.I think the music affected the audience to make the feelings of the characters more expresive so we could connect with them.Personally I think the music did enhance the production because without it it would of been silent and then would be missing something.
7.The cigarette smoking on stage was weird.I didn't like how it smelled even though it wasn't real.They could of just faked it and we still would of understood.
8.I think the one when he left was more powerful because he was actually gone and thinking back.I felt as if it touched the reader more than it did just showing him on the stage.
I agree with Sheila with when she says that the glass menagerie was a memory play. As it being that in a memory we can add or move things around. So as we were watching the play we could see the crew and characters moving things around to remind us this was Tom's memory and we were viewing it thorough his eyes and his perspective.
ReplyDelete1.The significance of the visible set during the play is that this play is a memory. In a memory, you really don’t think of the very specific details in the beginning, however as you go further into the memory you start to recall more and more details, especially if there is a “realistic” person in your memory, which in the play that would be Jim. When he appears in his memory becomes more clear and detailed. When Jim leaves in Tom’s memory, the details of the memory disappear as well.
ReplyDelete3.My feelings about Amanda during the class-reading of the play is that it seemed like she wanted the best for her children but didn’t really show it, like you saw her as this really annoying person that keeps on living in the past. However in the play I got a feeling that she really did seem like she cared for her children and really truly wanted her children to be happy. And she seemed sweeter and kind in the play than in the class-reading play.
4.Yes, I do believe that portrayal of Laura on stage was effective according to what I understand about how Williams crafted her on paper. Her shyness shown on stage was exactly how I would have envisioned Laura myself. The cripple-ness of Laura in the play was really well performed.
7.The use of the cigarettes on-stage was really effective to get you to be part of the play. It made us part of that certain scene, even though it was not real cigarettes they were using. However the fake smoking were making the audience cough, maybe some people were disturbed by this, but it wasn't even real cigarette smoke, so I think some people were exaggerating on the coughing.
2.) The scene between Laura and Jim was longer in the play than the manuscript because the actors wanted the audience to see how much Jim made great changes in Laura's life and how she could easily be able to talk to him and be herself without having to be so shy.
ReplyDelete3.) When I read the play, I found Amanda to be a mother who likes to nag all the time. Not only rhat, she seemed like all she wanted is to change her own children in her own way instead of letting them decide what is best. As for the play, Amanda actually seemed like a very caring mother that worries too much. She was more sensitive on stage. Somehow, in the play she expresses herself more with ever little tear she lets down.
7.) The use of the cigarette-smoking in the play was effective. It showed how much Tom actually smoked and how depressed he was with his family. One was being upset about his mother criticizing him and another about his sister that is alone and needs the love from someone.Basically, smoking would get his mind off things.
8.) Tom leaving was stronger in the play because with the long and loud agruement he had with his mother showed more espression on how they both felt. Besides that, the way how Laura reacted when she saw her brother leaving and heading down the stairs, it helped the audience actually fit more in the scene. basically, being able to feel the same way and how much hurt was given to laura. I think that the look on Laura's face helped make "Tom leaving" a more and dramatic effect.
I agree with Rena on question #1 saying that "the director wanted us to remember... the main important points of the memory." although Sheila has a good point with the play being a memory play and that we move things and add things as we remember more and more of the memory.
ReplyDelete• Why do you think the director chose to have the bare set, stagehands, etc. visible during the narrated parts?
ReplyDeleteWell since the whole play is based on memory, I think the concept the director had in mind by to have a bare stage, was as people we do not always bear in mind everything that our eyes see. So, by having a stage and lack of detail it was more relatable to memory.
• Tennessee Williams' characters are known for being "tragically flawed." What does this mean to you? Pick one character and discuss his or her tragic flaws. Can you relate to any of these? Explain.
There is only one thing that comes to mind, drama. People are naturally interested in a drama- conflict filled story. I think that by using such technique Williams is engaging the audience into the struggles of his characters.
Tom is the “man of the house” he is the provider to both his mother and his older sister. He has given much time of his life and the pursuing of dream up to help his family. He is trapped in doing what is right (helping his family) and his passion, writing.
I can very well relate my family to this story. My mother has Lupus, which is a terminal disease that has no cure. As a result my older sister has taken the role of helping my mother with many things including maintaining the household. I often feel that maybe my sister feels that she is supposed to help us, her family, before pursuing a life of her own.
• In the manuscript version and in the production version, Tom leaves at the end of the play. Which ending do you feel was more powerful? Explain
I think that in the manuscript version, it was more powerful, only because there is more feeling to it if one’s mind is committed to the reading. On stage it was good, but it does not have the same meaning to visually see it than to picture it one’s brain.
• Analyze the use of cigarette smoking on-stage. To what degree was it effective? Ineffective?
Besides the constant annoyance of the coughing in the audience, the cigarette smoking was very effective. To me smoking symbolized Tom’s escape, and escape he yearns for. Having the smell of the smoke be so real, I took it as the cigarette symbolizing a real escape.
I disagree with Tyler's answer to question eight. I believe literature has more power than a visual performance, in the concept of letting one's mind create their own interpretation of what the writer is trying to portray. Because we have different mindsets, there is more room for our minds to soar, than to just see the director's point of view.
ReplyDelete2. I think by making this scene longer they tried to put you in Laura's shoes. The whole experience with Jim, especially the kiss, was so important to Laura. In reality it might not have been that big of a deal but in Laura's mind it was huge. She had been waiting for that moment forever. I think they chose to drag it oput because if Laura could have she would have lived in that moment forever.
ReplyDelete3. While reading the play in class I felt kind of sorry for Amanda. I felt like she made a mistake by marrying Mr. Wingfield and she spent the rest of her life trying to go back. But seeing the play on stage I was very annoyed with Amanda. I felt all she did was nag and tried to live through her children.
7. Actually smoking on stage was very effective. It was very memorable and it made you realize just how much Tom smokes. You smelled that cigarrette smoke so many times throughout the play. It was a big attention grabber.
8. In the manuscript version of the play I couldn't connect to the ending. It was hard for me to imagine and I didn't get much of a feeling from reading it. Watching the production was completely different. I felt the way they staged the actors was perfect. When Tom was looking at Amanda it really seemed like he wasn't actually looking at her but at a memory of her.
I agree with Rena about the smoking. It was very effective but I was also completely annoyed with the audience. They were only herbal cigarettes so they shouldn't have bothered anyone too much. The audience was being very disruptive.
ReplyDelete1.I believe the significance of having a visible set during the play is to show and included the audience within the set. We have to remember that this is a memory play; the director simply chose the bare set to complete the thought of Williams’ play. That those small details aren’t really remembered when beginning a memory but it is further within the thought, that slowly everything starts to comes together.
ReplyDelete2.When the scene between Laura and Jim carried on longer than what most imagined, it had a huge effect in a way that told a story. It was necessary for the audience to understand Laura and her journey and feelings she had. It showed how she had to adjust and get comfortable to accept a new change within her life and herself.
4.Laura’s portrayal on stage was more than what I expected and completely followed my understanding about how Williams crafted her on paper. Laura needed help constantly and her feelings to her surroundings showed in everything she did. They were seen in her speech, movement, and thoughts about herself. All these details that were put in by the actor were made for us to feel her pain and struggles she went through, just as everyone in her world went through them.
7.The use of cigarette smoking on-stage was effective to the play because it gave us that sense of being in the play with the characters. The aromas added to cause and also to the memory since smell can bring back memories quickly. It also showed that Tom’s habit was only used to escape from stress. It was ineffective when fellow audience members started to cough because it took away from the play by distracting other audience members who had a higher tolerable level.
3.) The way I felt about the character of Amanda was that she wanted the best for her children. She didn't want their lives to turn out the way hers did with her husband leaving her. But as she wants the best for them she's pushing them to much to do the things she want's them to do, especially Laura. I think if Laura doesn't want to get married she shouldn't have to.
ReplyDelete2.) The effect it had was that this moment was very important to Laura so the extended on stage than in the script because so the audience could see how this kissing scene was a big deal for Laura. She always kept to herself but Jim got her to start talking and accept who she was and not just go back to polishing her glass and be all alone. This was a big moment for Laura.
6.) The moments I heard music was on some sad scenes and like when Amanda went back into the past and had all her gentlemen callers. In the diner scene, Laura did not come to diner and a sadish song came on. It affected the audience by setting the mood of the moment. Laura was all alone while the others were having a good time. The music showed how this scene was sad for Laura. And when Amanda goes back into her past talking about her callers, exciting, adventurous music came on taking us back into her old, younger days. Then the music turns sad as she comes back into the present relizing she no longer has those moments and her husband left her.
7.) I thought the cigerettes on stage where unique because it made the audience feel like they were in that time period standing next to Tom. It was realistic and was a good feature to make the audience feal like they were there and I did't expect it at all. But it was good to help bring out the play.
8. Tom's production version exit was more powerful at the end of the play than the manuscript's. In the play version you actually see Tom not only exit the immeadiate stage, but he leaves theough an exit door in the corner of the entire stage. I felt this was a more powerful exit that in the manuscript because of that.
ReplyDelete7. I thoght it was effective in that it made the play more realistic with the smoke coming over into the audience. It made it more authentic which made me like the play more. It was ineffective in that some of the audience members starting coughing which was distracting.
3.In the play Amanda seemed more agressive but in the play she was more dramatic, and over-the-top. In the script however, I felt sympathy for her because she truly wanted more for her children. I didn't get that feeling as much in the play.
2. I think the scene was longer on stage because it was such an important event for Laura. the length of the scene helped the audience understand how truly momumentous this event was for her and it will probably be a highlight for her entire life.
I agree with Marissa's comment on how the prolonged kissing scene with Jim and Laura was an extremely important and intimate event for her, even if it wasn't for Jim...
ReplyDelete2) The scene between Laura and Jim was longer on stage than in the manuscript studied in class. What effect did this have on the meaning of that scene?
ReplyDelete*To me this seen was more about Laura and how Jim really changes her and shows her how being different is not bad. The whole unicorn part I think is also like a "shout out" to Laura and how a little change or defect is not the end of the world.
3) How did you feel about the character of Amanda during the class-reading of the play? How did you feel about the character of Amanda seen on stage? Compare your feelings here.
* I think that in both the reading and the play Amanda talked WAY to much! In the reading her parts were so long to me, and on stage her voice was just too much!
5) Tennessee Williams' characters are known for being "tragically flawed." What does this mean to you? Pick one character and discuss his or her tragic flaws. Can you relate to any of these? Explain.
* "Tragically flaws" mean something some one can't live with, sort of Laura and her self consciousness and her leg. She makes her little flaw over exaggerating though. I can not relate to Laura since I am confident in myself and my legs are fine.
8) In the manuscript version and in the production version, Tom leaves at the end of the play. Which ending do you feel was more powerful? Explain.
* In my opinion the ending of the reading was way more powerful because it didn't leave me thinking like it did on stage. I also think that the whole ending statement had more impact in the written piece.
*Edgar... I really agree with what you think about Amanda, about her trying to change her children... but I still think she was a little exaggerating.
ReplyDelete2) I think that the scene between Laura and Jim was much longer because it was necessary for the audience to really grasp how and an important role Jim played on Laura. The scene’s whole purpose I think was meant to analyze Laura, because throughout the play we don’t really see much of Laura until then. This is where we really get to see how Laura acts around people and how Jim slowly made her come out of her shell. This was the moment that impacted the life of Laura because nothing would ever be the same for her again.
ReplyDelete3) During the class reading of the play I was annoyed by how much dialogue Amanda had. She just kept rambling on and on. When I saw the play I felt that she talked too much too, but it wasn’t as annoying because when I read the play in my head, Amanda’s voice was just mono-toned. In the play, Amanda changed the pitch of her voice and that’s what made what she said so powerful, because the voice had personality. On stage, you could actually see the love she had for her children and how you didn’t mean to annoy her children, she just wanted the best for them.
4) Laura was perfectly portrayed on stage because you could really see how fragile Laura was. The way her voice and body was shaky helped you see how she was not confident at all. She only seemed comfortable when she was polishing her glass or playing her record player. When she was with Jim she really seemed nervous but as time went by you could see she was getting in her comfort zone. The character of Laura was effectively portrayed by the actor because she made Laura come to life.
7) I think the whole cigarette smoking was effective on stage because it made the play real. I know they weren’t real cigarettes but it let us see how unhappy Tom really was. It is said that people who smoke use it as an escape and to forget, and in the play we could clearly see that through Tom. He was frustrated with his life and wanted adventure and the smoking let him get away from his nagging mother and his job.
I agree with what Clarissa said about how the background music enhanced the production. The music was there to emphasize a scene and without any music then it would’ve been too silent, therefore the play would’ve been missing something.
ReplyDelete1)The visible set was significant because it made it easy for the play to transition between scenes. also because it was a memory play the bare set didn't detract from it because it was a dream and anything and all is possible in them.
ReplyDelete2)The addition of more time in the scene between jim and laura changed the play dramatically from being all about tom and his sorrows to a story about how his sister laura was caught in the middle of the bigger conflict between him and amanda his mom.
6)During the production the music played in moments when there was confusion or sorrow in one of the characters. It enhanced the production by bringing more emotion to life throughout the play.
7)The cigarette smoking during the play was very effective because even though it was a memory play it gave a sign that the events were real and that u were actually there witnessing them occur.
2) The scene between Laura and Jim was longer because it was the pivitol point of the play where everything changes
ReplyDeletefor each of the characters and also because they wanted the audience to have a deeper connection with both Laura
and Jim.
4) The portrayal of Laura was effective because everything that Tennessee had decribed her to be was greatly
expressed through the performance but what I really got a great taste of was Laura's undeniable emotional weakness,
especially in the scene with Jim.
6) The times that I actually heard the music was during the really dramatic moments and this made the audience
acknowledge it.The music was a great touch to the play because it helped set the tone for each scene, although the
lighting was also vital.
8) Well, of course the production version's ending was the most powerful because it was a chance for the audience to redirect some of the the emotion that Tom feels as he leaves his home by through audio and performance.
How did you feel about the character of Amanda during the class-reading of the play? How did you feel about the character of Amanda seen on stage? Compare your feelings here.
ReplyDeleteI think Amanda was portrayed more as a victim on stage than in the class-reading. In the class reading i picture her more as a anoying and mean mother putting all of her anger towards her her family. On stage she was more as woman that is tramatized of failing in life, so all she wants her son and daughter to do what she wants. And it also seems like if she is stuck in the past and doesnt realize that times have changed.
Tennessee Williams' characters are known for being "tragically flawed." What does this mean to you? Pick one character and discuss his or her tragic flaws. Can you relate to any of these? Explain.
Maybe Tennesse Williams maybe uses flawed characters cause maybe he himself has flaws all over. This means that he is trying to say that everyone in society is tragically flawed in a way. one character that stood out the most and had the most flaws was Loura. She was not only physically flawed but her ego was flawed as well. i dont really relate to any of the characters, they all are kind of crazy.
Analyze the use of cigarette smoking on-stage. To what degree was it effective? Ineffective?
the cigarrete made the play more realistic. it was real real effective at first, it made it seem like it was real live. but after a while the smell got really anoying and kind of gave me a headache.
In the manuscript version and in the production version, Tom leaves at the end of the play. Which ending do you feel was more powerful? Explain.
i think the ending in the play was more realistic than the Manuscript version. Because since they used the naked stage at the end and begining, it gave me a more realistic fealing.
BY:isac Lechuga
1)The signifigance of e visible set during the play was to make sure the aduence knew that they were watching a play, rather than tryng to make them feel as if they're actually in the play.
ReplyDelete2) The scene between Laura and Jim was made longer on stage so that the audience could witness the emotions Laura was dealing with while the scene was taking place. First, shock and surprise, then confusion on what to do, and lastly starting to embrace it and finally accepting it.
7) In my oppinion, the use of cigarette smoking on-stage was very annoying and, since i was in the first row, it made me try not to breathe or it caused me to cough. The smoking showed the audience how bad the smoking habbit was for Tom and Jim. Also, Tom would usually go to smoke when he was having an arument with Amanda, so the smoking could be one of Tom's ways to escape.
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ReplyDeleteI agree with Marissa when she says that the use of the cigarettes was unique because it gave the play more life and they also caught me off guard too.
ReplyDelete1) I think that the significance of the visible set is to probe Tom’s memory. In the beginning of the play, there is almost no set and you’re watching something more like the rehearsal of a play. It’s unrealistic, and in much the same way a rehearsal is not the most important part of a play but provides a solid base to work from, the beginning of his memory was not the most important or realistic part. As the play continues, most importantly the events involving Jim, more and more of the set turns up, and instead of watching the pre-production, you feel more like you’re seeing the actual events that unfolded. I think this also connects to the comment that Tom made in the beginning about Jim being the most realistic character, because the parts of the play that include Jim are the most detailed.
ReplyDelete2) The scene between Laura and Jim being longer in the production than in the manuscript just goes to show what a critical event it was. It was like Laura's own personal story within the whole story. She started the scene out very disconnected and rigid but by the end, she was becoming more comfortable with Jim and ultimately, herself and all of her defects because she saw that other people were okay with them. It was important because it's where we saw the most change and progression in Laura, who I feel is the most significant character in the play. Even though it ended in circumstances that were nothing short of tragic, it was the climax not only of the play, but of Laura's closed-off life.
3) When we read the manuscript in class, I very strongly disliked Amanda. I felt that she was a selfish airhead who cared more about her past than what was happening in the present. She spoke almost entirely of her previous gentlemen callers and of Tom's selfishness, that she herself came off as the self-centered one. She nagged, and didn't seem sensitive whatsoever. However, in the production, though she still displayed all of those negative, annoying characteristics, I sort of saw that deep down, she really did have good intentions. Though Amanda was highly insensitive to Laura, she only said and did the things that she did, because she wants a good life for her. I saw more of a mother figure in the play version. A very annoying, overbearing mother figure, but it was present nonetheless.
7) I think that the cigarette smoking was highly effective in showing what kind of person Tom is. Generally speaking, I only know of two kinds of smokers, chain-smokers, and those who smoke when things get stressful. Chain smokers smoke cigarette after cigarette and don't even realize that they're doing it, and since Tom only smoked two or three cigarettes throughout the duration of the play, I'm going to go ahead and discount him being a chain-smoker. So that only really leaves one option, he's a stress smoker. Obviously, he had every right to be stressed, but I think it shows that he tries to keep his emotions internal, because except for that one outburst, he generally just went out and smoked a cigarette when his Amanda was nagging him.
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ReplyDeleteI am ABDI LOPEZ :P
ReplyDelete2.) Jims part in the play was the climax of Laura’s life. When written in words we can just re-read and imagine the strong essence of the scenes, but when acted out you tie down your imagination. Because each scene is defined a certain amount of emphasis according to its importance, it was essential for Laura and Jims scene to be prolonged. It was the turning point of the play and was by far where we see Laura’s true character. To a real audience, it takes time for such significance to settle.
4.) I actually thought the woman performing Laura was perfect for the role. She really presented Laura’s nature so entirely. The little doubts I had about Laura clarified with every action on stage. From the limping to the jittering and nervousness of the acting I really felt the despair and sadness Tom lived through.
5.) Tennessee’s style of basing the characters from his personal life presents them as humans with real flaws to the audience. As one of the main protagonist, Tom is a perfect example of the human flaw of Selfishness. The overwhelming responsibility Tom felt was draining him from his hopes and dreams. He was tied down for so long, but in the end gave into his own will. The dark thoughts of living his own life and throwing Amanda and Laura’s dependence on him out the door lingered in his mind constantly. To the audience this was his flaw: he gave in. He picked himself over his family. But on the other hand, if he wouldn’t have left he would have continued to be unhappy. In his mind he owed it to himself. Sometimes in my personal life I feel desperate to run away from my responsibilities. I catch myself thinking only of my well being or asking myself what I am going to get out of things. But is it really worth it to live a defined life in desolation? What seems to be a flaw to society is sometimes our only escape from misery. Only time tells us the real effects of our imperfect choices. Until then we don’t know if selfishness is a fault or essential.
7.) As a “modern mind” from the 21st century, it is hard to really understand life in the 1930’s. Smoking was the “cool” habit at the time. People even concerned about the proper way to hold a cigarette. Now when we see people smoke there are roots of prejudice because we know the consequences but by having the actors really smoke on stage Tom’s memory became more real because the smoking symbolized the way of living at the time. It served as an excuse to escape a conversation and was a staler to the nagging.
1. I think that the whole effect of the visual set on stage was done because the play was just memories of Tom, and maybe she felt like Tom didn’t really remembered much from the beginning but as the play went on there was more visual backgrounds brought down due to the fact that Jim came into the story and he was the most realistic character; according to Tom.
ReplyDelete2. The scene of Laura and Jim was longer on stage than on the play. I think this was done to show the audience how Laura actually reacted, it showed how she was struggling at first and then she just gave in. it showed us how much she enjoyed her first kiss by the man that she had always loved.
3. When we read the play, I felt like Amanda was kind of a slut. All she did was talk about the past, and about how many gentlemen callers she would have. During the play I got to see the love Amanda has for her kinds, all she wants is for Laura to have someone to take care of her. I saw Amanda in a whole different way during the play, and I like that Amanda better.
8. Tom leaving had a great impact on both the play and the manuscript, but I felt that it affected the audience more when we got to see him leave. We got to see Amanda and Laura cry over his absence. In the scrip we just read about him leaving, but on stage we got to see how painful it was for him to leave.
1.I think that the director wanted to do the blog this way to remember that it is a play and also to keep it in memory, that this is the memory life of Tennessee william.
ReplyDelete2. Well maybe the director made it longer on the scene for us the audience could see how laura took a while to get used to the kiss and let herself feel conformable. And all this you could see in her hands at first she was trampling and then she just let it go .
3. I think that the director directed tom to smoke so much to symbolized how he needed to smoke to calm himself. Since he has so much problems with her mother he needed something to take his mind of home.
4. know when tom left it had a great impact on both since but i feel that i like the scene more since we saw it and understood it more. We saw how the absence of tom effected her mother and sister, but in their face we could see everything it meant for them. And in the script we just read it leaving us puzzle to solve
3.