Question

What role does Jim O'Connor play in The Glass Menagerie?

• A. He is a "gentleman caller" who represents hope for Laura.
• B. He is Laura's father who abandoned the family.
• C. He is Tom's boss who represents the harsh realities of life.
• D. He is a friend of Amanda who comes to visit.

Answer 1

Answer:

A. He is a "gentleman caller" who represents hope for Laura.

• Jim O'Connor plays a significant role in The Glass Menagerie as the "gentleman caller" invited by Amanda Wingfield to dinner as a potential suitor for her daughter, Laura.

• Amanda sees Jim as a symbol of hope for Laura's future and believes he might be the person who will rescue Laura from her social isolation and loneliness.

• Amanda's hopes for Laura’s future revolve around Jim's potential interest in her, as she believes he could offer Laura a way out of her fragile and sheltered world.