What role does Mr. Wingfield play in the Glass Menagerie?

Question

Hey Everyone. I need help answering an essay question for my AP English Lit Class. I have no clue where to start. The prompt is:

Although he never makes a live appearence in they play, Mr. Wingfield is a major character in the Glass Menagerie. Discuss what role he plays and/or what impact he has on each of the other family members aa these years after his departure.

Thanks for all of your help.

Answer 1

In quoting Tennessee Williams, Tom Wingfield "Her son and the narrator of the play. A poet with a job in a warehouse. His nature is not remorseless, but to escape from a trap he has to act without pity." Since this is a memory play, the missing Mr. Wingfield weighs heavy on all the family characters, but mostly on Tom.

Answer 2

Mr. Wingfield is only a picture on the wall, but his leaving the family sparks everything that happens in Tom's memory of his life. Amanda (the mother) has become obsessive with finding a gentleman caller for Laura, and Tom is forced to provide for the family. Tom ends up doing what Mr. Wingfield did by leaving the family... So to answer your question, he plays a huge part in the story by changing the families lives.

Answer 3

I don't mean to sound harsh, but the place to start is to read the play! The answers given above are good, but as is always the case when discussing an artistic piece (literary or otherwise), it is open to the interpretation of the reader (or viewer, as the case may be). Read it and see what you think. You may agree wholeheartedly with what has been presented here, but if so, you will probably find ways to expound greatly upon it. Or you may find an entirely different take on the question to explore in your essay.
Best of luck on it.