Final answer:
Tom's line reflects a fear of self-confrontation and indicates a deeper theme of the courage needed to face one's own inactions and the truth about oneself. It's a moment of self-awareness regarding one's avoidance of responsibility and the difficulty of internal reckoning.
Step-by-step explanation:
The significance of Tom's line: "No suh, scared I'd hafta face up to what I didn't do." lies in the context of self-reflection and fear of confronting the truth or consequences related to one's actions or, in Tom's case, inaction. His line suggests a reluctance to confront or acknowledge a truth about himself, particularly pertaining to something he might have been expected to do but failed to do. It reflects a broader human tendency to avoid discomfort or the challenge of facing realities that might negatively shape our perception of ourselves or force us to take responsibility.
In the context of the dialogue, Tom is expressing a sentiment that is linked to the idea of self-preservation and the avoidance of spiritual or existential reckoning. His fear isn't just about facing others and what they may think, but also facing himself and his own judgments about his actions and character. This line encapsulates a significant theme in literature—and life—about the courage it takes to face up to oneself, which can be even more daunting than facing external challenges.