Tennessee William's character, Tom Wingfield, from Glass Menagerie is very complex with two main sides. On one hand, Tom feels his obligation to his family to stay and provide for them. Other than Amanda's day job of selling magazines, his is the only real income the family has since their father up and left them sixteen years ago. He feels this burden everyday and is becomming more and more restless. This disappointment in his life is filled by long nights at the movies and by drinking. However, he stays and does his job for the love he has for Amanda and Laura.
However, there is another side of Tom that dreams. He wants anything else than to be a warehouse man. I found it ironic when Amanda calls Tom selfish, because although Tom is reluctant, he is the one that goes out and provides for the family. He has to give up his dream for the sake of his mother and sister. After Amanda says this, Tom defends himself and gives it right back.
"I get up. I go! For sixty-five dollars a month I give up all that I dream of. Why, listen, if self is what I thought of, Mother, I'd be where he is- GONE! (pointing to the father's picture)" (Williams, 1247).
At this point in the story, I felt terrible for Tom. It seemed that he was trapped in a time in his life that he couldn't get out of. He would have to prodive for his older sister and overbearing mother for the rest of his days.
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