In all texts there are representations of society and the world incorporated into the storyline. These depictions question readers to review their morals on certain subjects including gender issues. The Glass Menagerie, by Tennessee Williams, is no exception and it represents ideas of masculinity and femininity depicted so that the modern reader may empathise with characters in the novel but with exception to a few aspects find it difficult to relate to them. Masculinity and femininity are portrayed in facets of social living, family responsibilities/obligations and work and employment all of which influence the way in which the reader responds.

To begin with, the social roles of men and women portrayed in The Glass Menagerie are seemingly different from that of modern day and therefore many readers, especially women, will respond to the representations of masculinity and femininity with criticism. The women in the play are depicted...