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In The Glass Menagerie, what does the father's photograph symbolize?
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In The Glass Menagerie, the father's photograph symbolizes Amanda's victimization and martyrdom, serving as "proof" of her past attractiveness and a bid for sympathy. It also reminds Laura and Tom of their obligations, underscoring their dependence and responsibilities. Additionally, the photograph represents Amanda's concern for appearances and the harsh reality of their lives, illustrating the family's ongoing struggles and unfulfilled aspirations.
By keeping the photograph of her absent husband displayed so prominently, Amanda can continue to claim her victimization by the man who abandoned his family. It is a conversation piece that Amanda uses to call attention to her situation, as she does when Jim O'Connor comes to dinner.
The photo is "proof" that Amanda was once attractive to a man, a "telephone man who fell in love with long distance." Her witticism regarding his absence is well-practiced and reinforces her martyrdom, a role with which Amanda has become very comfortable. In the scene with Jim O'Connor, it is a bid to seek his attention and sympathy and perhaps lure him in to be the family's savior.
Hanging the picture prominently also serves as a permanent reminder to Laura and Tom that in their father's absence, their obligation to their mother is profound. Laura is constantly reminded of her own dependence,...
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and Tom is meant to remember that he must step into the role of male caretaker and provider for their dysfunctional family.
I have always thought that the photograph of the father was actually the physical manifestation of Amanda's concern for appearance as well as her detached perception of reality. In addition, the picture is proudly displayed not only in an apartment that is run down, but of the man responsible for Amanda's, Tom's, and Laura's sad existences. In other words, no matter how hard Amanda talks about her past, or how many movies Tom attends, or Laura's escape into her glass collection their truth is always present. For example, Amanda carries on about all of her 'gentlemen callers' as a young girl, but marries a man who who abandoned her and her children. Tom is expected to financially provide for the family that belongs to his father which frustrates him to no end, and Laura is incapable of having any sort of romantic relationship. For me, the picture is symbolic of their truth...it's the essence of their reality.