Like Father Like Son

Though the father is not present in Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie, he nonetheless has a tremendous impact on the story. More importantly, the absent father has a special influence on Tom. Throughout the story, Amanda continually compares Tom's actions to those of his father, stressing her utter disapproval of any that fall in line. Despite Amanda's vehemence, however, the attentive reader can pick up on hints of Tom's admiration and jealousy of his father throughout the story. For instance, Tom comes home in complete awe of a magic trick he saw one evening. He says, "...But the wonderfullest trick of all was the coffin trick....But who in hell ever got himself out of one without removing one nail? (As if in answer, the father's grinning photograph lights up)" (Williams, 1249). Tom's complete admiration of the magic trick can translate into his complete admiration of his father's ability to escape his situation. Dealing with Amanda's controlling nature and the pressure to provide for the family, one can assume that Tom is currently in an entrapping situation similar to his father's. Thus, looking for guidance, Tom at times considers his father's decisions. Will Tom escape his responsibilities like his father did? If the conflicts continue, this is a well-founded fear.