Analysis Questions
1. Reconstruct Amanda's "memory" of life on Blue Mountain in The Glass Menagerie. Describe the idealized roles of men and women.
2. Based upon both stated and implied factors, trace Tom's passage in the path of his father.

Interpretation Questions
3. Research the archetype of the "Great Earth Mother." To what extent does Amanda fulfill that image? To what extent might she be characterized as a "failed GEM"?
4. Explain the possible meanings of Tom's last apostrophe to Laura at the last monologue of the play.

Evaluation Questions
5. Read Williams's notes on the staging and lighting of The Glass Menagerie. Explain why both are critical to an understanding of the play as "memory."
6. From Amanda's perspective, why must a "gentleman caller" be interpreted as a "last resort" for Laura? Contrast Amanda's interpretation of Jim with the differing views of Jim for Laura and Tom.