She carefully places the unicorn in the palm of his hand, then pushes his fingers closed upon it] what are you - doing that for the glass menagerie tennessee williams 1 the glass menagerie (scene i) tennessee williams the glass menagerie. An author of the essay the symbolism of the glass menagerie by tennessee williams outlines that t he author uses various symbols to convey the features. Illusion is the most important word in the thematic and symbolic organisation of the play, the glass menagerie williams wastes no time in pointing out the illusions that are important in the play. Symbolism in the glass menagerie symbolism is the part and parcel of the glass menagerie tennessee williams used are and how these symbols are inextricably connected with the central theme unicorn: in her glass menagerie laura had manufactured a unicorn of glass. This study guide provides an overview and analysis of the symbolism found in tennessee williams' play the glass menagerie, including a discussion of important symbols such as the unicorn and blue roses the article also discusses the theme of escape that is found in the drama.