Question

The characters in the play have depth. Audiences learn their strengths and dreams, their weaknesses, and fears. Tom and Amanda are the most dramatic characters in this play. Write one paragraph explaining if Amanda is a good mother in the play, or is she the “witch” that Tom calls her in anger? AND write a second paragraph explaining if Tom a good son in the play, or is he, like his father, a faithless man? How do these characters’ different definitions of happiness cause them to clash? Include at least 2 quotes from the play. (The Glass Menagerie)

Answer 1

In "The Glass Menagerie," Amanda is a complex character who oscillates between being a good mother and a controlling, overbearing parent. On the one hand, she loves her children deeply and wants what is best for them. She is willing to make sacrifices to provide for them, as evidenced by her multiple jobs and her insistence on their education. On the other hand, Amanda's expectations and demands can be overwhelming for her children, particularly Tom, who feels trapped by her constant nagging and criticism. In a moment of anger, Tom calls Amanda a "witch," but this label is too simplistic to capture the complexity of their relationship. Amanda is neither good nor bad; she is a flawed human being trying to navigate the challenges of parenthood.

Tom, likewise, is a complex character who is not easily categorized as either a good or bad son. On the one hand, he loves his family and feels a sense of duty to provide for them. He works long hours at a warehouse job he despises to support them financially. On the other hand, Tom is deeply unhappy in his life and yearns for something more. His restlessness and desire to escape his situation put him at odds with his mother, who cannot understand why he would want to leave. Tom's conflicts with Amanda stem from their differing definitions of happiness. For Amanda, happiness means security and stability, whereas, for Tom, happiness means adventure and self-expression. Tom says, "I'm tired of the movies and I am about to move" (Scene 1), indicating his desire to break free from the monotony of his life.

Both Amanda and Tom are complex characters who are neither wholly good nor wholly bad. Their conflicts arise from their differing definitions of happiness and their struggle to communicate with each other. Amanda says, "All I ask is for you to be a little more loving with me" (Scene 4), indicating her desire for connection with her son. However, Tom is unable to fulfill this request, as his own desires and needs are at odds with his mother's expectations. Ultimately, their clashes are a product of their love for each other and their inability to reconcile their differing visions for the future.