The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams
3. What is Tom's dilemma? Why is he always quarreling with his mother? What is his attitude toward Laura? Why does he finally leave? Does he ever resolve his dilemma?
Tom's dilemma is that he is stuck. Basically, he is unmoving and wishes to be moving on to better things for himself. His father wanted the same thing and did it. His life with the family is compared to a coffin nailed shut. His father was able to get out, and he wants out too. He believes that his life should have more adventure in it. He needs something more than just taking care of his sister and mother. He is always quarreling with his mother because he goes out "to the movies" and gets drunk and comes home. He is also always talking about wanting to get away and Amanda is scared he will become like his father and completely leave the family's life. His attitude toward Laura is, I think, a little bit of resentment. He thinks she should be able to go out and find a man who will support her so he doesn't have to and can move on with his own life. He finally leaves because in scene 7, he is pushed to his boiling point. Amanda keeps going on and on about how he is selfish and he finally says, "All right, I will! The more you shout about my selfishness to me the quicker I'll go, and I won't go to the movies!" (Williams 1288). I don't think he ever really dissolves his dilemma though because at the end of the play he runs into Laura again. He never really can get away from his family.
No comments:
Post a Comment