How does religion relate to the major theme of the play The Glass Menagerie?

As an Expressionistic play, The Glass
Menagerie is replete with symbolism and imagery.  Much of this imagery, such
as the religious imagery, serves to underscore the theme of Appearance vs. Reality.
Certainly, the characters exist in imaginary worlds throughout the play.  For instance,
Tom imagines what his future can be, Laura retreats to the imaginary world of the glass
animals, and Amanda romanticizes about her past and imagines the possibilities for Laura
if she can only find a "gentleman caller" for her.

This
idealistic solution of Amanda for her daughter is depicted by Tennessee Williams with
the relgious imagery associated with the scene in which Amanda prepares Laura for the
dinner to which the gentleman caller--a modern day savior--will come.  The set
directions state that "a fragile, unearthly prettiness has come out
in Laura."  Like the Madonna, Laura is detached from reality.  And, like the
Madonna, she awaits the announcement that her savior is coming.  The music in the
background is the Ave Maria as Amanda kneels before Laura,
adjusting her dress "devout and ritualistic."  There is a radiance that emanates from
Laura as she solemnly looks at herself, suggesting the illusions created in her
mind.

After the lights go out because Tom--who refers to
him as "El Diablo"--has not paid the light bill, candles are lighted in a candelabrum,
suggestive of those on an altar.  Stage directions describe this part of the scene as
"the climax of her [Laura's] secret life."  As
Jim talks with Laura, she relaxes and enjoys herself; she has "a warmth and
charm which lights her inwardly with altar candles."  But, the ceremonious
moments end when Jim informs Laura that he is
engaged,

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The holy candles in the altar of
Laura's face have been snuffed out.  There is a look of almost infite
desolation.

The
unearthly night is at its end.  Laura and Amanda and Tom are again faced with reality
and Amanda accuses Tom, "You live in a dream; you manufacture illusions!" Tom escapes
through the fire escape, and Laura blows out the candles, ending the play, and thereby
also ending the illusions of unattainable dreams, as unattainable as the religious
perfection of the Madonna.