Name: ______
Date: ______
Jigsaw Group Activity
A Jigsaw activity is a fun way for us to do some group learning…and teaching!
Here are the categories and group assignments for our “expert groups”:
Symbols in the play (front right side of room)
1. Danielle Allison
2. Tamai Andrew Young
3. Ryan Behnke
4. Kimberly Wood
5. Chelsea Reed
6. Alessandra Moya
How memories shape the actions of the play (back right side of room)
1. Danielle DeFillipo
2. Danielle White
3. Anthony Haddad
4. Jacuan Strange
5. Alexa Edelman
6. William Nahan
How the figure of the father influences the other characters throughout the play (front left side of room)
1. Esteisy Estrada
2. Ryan Shields
3. Amy Fager
4. Shane Rankin
5. Vani Kumaran
6. Cody Lindauer
Conflict of family welfare vs personal desire (back left side of room)
1. Samantha Goldenberg
2. Zubair Karyzada
3. Amanda Sawasky
4. Ryan Kelly
5. Patrick Kenney
6. Lucy Ovalle
Name: ______
Symbols in TGM
Dear Symbols in TGM group,
Your textbook states that a symbol is “an object or event used in a literary work to represent something other than itself, frequently an abstract idea or concept” (page 961). You will be responsible for familiarizing yourselves with the symbols that are found in the play. Here are the major symbols I would like you to focus on. Use this sheet to help you as you explore the topic. Make sure to include examples and page numbers. After you are finished, you will be teaching this information to other members of the class!
First, put the definition of a “symbol” in your own words: ______
______
- The menagerie (and the glass figures, especially the unicorn):
What it represents: ______
______
______
A few examples: ______
______
______
- Color:
Blue (linked with Laura) and examples: ______
______
______
Yellow (linked with Amanda) and examples: ______
______
______
- Another symbol of your choice:
______and examples: ______
______
______
Name: ______
Memories in the Play
Dear Memories group,
As you know, The Glass Menagerie is a “memory play,” so it takes place in Tom’s memory. But there are other important memories that shape the actions of the play and some that influence the different characters. You will be responsible for teaching other class members about the theme of memory and how it influences the plot and characters. Use this sheet as you work to help you. Don’t forget to be specific, use examples, and include page numbers.
One memory that influences Amanda is:
Why do you think this memory is so important to her? How does it affect her actions?
One memory that affects Laura is:
Why do you choose this memory? How does it affect her actions?
One memory that affects Tom is:
Why does it affect him? What does he do as a result?
Why do you think Tennessee Williams chose to write this as a memory play? What else can you say about the theme of memory and its importance in the play?
Name: ______
The Figure of the Father
Dear Father group,
The father, Mr. Wingfield, can be seen as a fifth character in the play. He is an important figure who overshadows the entire stage and influences the other characters. I’d like you to explore his character, looking for specific examples and using page numbers. Use these questions to guide you.
What does Mr. Wingfield look like, and how do you know?
What is the significance of the portrait?
What kind of an influence have he and his absence had on the family as a whole?
- on Amanda’s present actions and attitudes:
- on Laura’s personality and actions:
- on Tom’s personality, motivations and actions:
Name: ______
Family welfare vs. personal desire
Dear Conflict group,
As you know, conflicts are an important part of any story or play. I would like you to look at the conflict of family welfare vs. personal desires in the play. Each character has his or her own desires, and they often conflict with what may be good for the whole family. Use this sheet to guide you, and don’t forget to include specific examples and page numbers!
There are a few types of conflicts, including man vs. man, man vs. nature, man vs. society, man vs. himself. Which of these categories do you think best fits this specific conflict in TGM?
______
Give 2-4 examples of how Tom’s personal desires conflict with the good of the family (be specific!):
______
______
Give 2-4 examples of how Amanda’s personal desires conflict with the good of the family (be specific!):
______
______
Give 2-4 examples of how Laura’s personal desires conflict with the good of the family (be specific!):
______
______
How do you think this conflict could be solved? Is there an easy solution?
______
______
The Next Step!
Directions: Now we will be moving into “home groups.” You will meet with your home group and take turns teaching your material so that everyone understands it and is able to take down the information. Have fun!
Group 1:
Danielle Allison
Danielle DeFillipo
Esteisy Estrada
Samantha Goldenberg
Group 2:
Tamai Andrew Young
Danielle White
Ryan Shields
Zubair Karyzada
Group 3:
Ryan Behnke
Anthony Haddad
Amy Fager
Amanda Sawasky
Group 4:
Kimberly Wood
Jacuan Strange
Shane Rankin
Ryan Kelly
Group 5:
Patrick Kenney
Vani Kumaran
Alexa Edelman
Chelsea Reed
Group 6:
Alessandra Moya
William Nahan
Cody Lindauer
Lucy Ovalle