The Glass Menagerie (Blog 2)

Laura in The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams struggles with living a shy and reserved lifestyle due to a low self esteem. After Laura's conversation with Jim, the reader learns that Laura was always so self conscious because, "[She] had that brace on [her] leg -- it clumped so loud!" (Williams, 1276). Jim responds by informing Laura, "In all respects -- believe me! Your eyes -- your hair -- are pretty!" (Williams, 1283). This conversation between Laura and Jim contains a great deal of irony. Laura has spent her whole life worrying what others thought of her and keeping to her self. She has been so focused on thinking everyone notices her disability that she completely shuts out all positive aspects of life. Now Laura is realising that she actually is attractive, and possibly could have had a chance with Jim if he was not engaged to another woman. She never thought any guy would like her because she has a slightly crippled leg, but on the contrary, Jim did not even notice her leg brace. I see is scene to be very ironic because Laura refuses to put her self in social situations, which causes her to lack social skills, when she is viewed by most people as an average girl. Laura has missed a lot of opportunities to express herself and pursue her dreams, even to the point were she is dependent on her family members,  all because she gets so nervous when she is in public.