The theme of Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie is
conflict. The play contains both internal and external conflict.
The absence of Tom's father forces external turmoil and conflict
between Tom the protagonist, and his mother the antagonist. The
internal conflict is seen within Tom through his constant
references to leaving home and his selfishness. The play is
about a young aspiring poet named Tom, who works at a shoe
warehouse. Tom is unhappy with is life at home mainly because of
his overbearing, over protective mother named Amanda. Tom also
has a sister within the play named Laura who chooses to isolate
herself from the rest of society. During the play Tom's
relationship with his mother is filled with very harsh and
abrasive arguments. The constant bickering and aggravation Tom
endures leads him into a state of negligence and cruelty towards
his family. Tom then seeks adventure and comfort by going out to
the movies every night. As a result, Amanda makes accusations
about his visits to the movies and