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There are many symbols of escapism presented in the Glass Menagerie and each character has its own symbols connected to it. The characters will, however, only ever be able to escape their '2 by 4' situation for a brief moment. This essay will discuss the characters in the play and how they are linked to the symbols of escapism with reference to the play. In the play Tom becomes highly pre-occupied with the magician and …

…escape his family physically but he remained connected to them spiritually, emotionally and mentally and never truly escapes his '2 by 4' situation. This can be seen when Tom says, "Oh, Laura, Laura, I tried to leave you behind me, but I am more faithful than I intended to be!" The only two characters in the play who managed to escape are the magician and the father. The other characters will, however, remain imprisoned forever.