Class Notes- Internal Conflict

The conflict for Tom is essentially the same no matter what perspective it is looked at.  Tom hates the position that he is in. He feels trapped and unfairly burdened with the responsibility of taking care of his family.  He also has the responsibly of trying to help Laura find a caller! This constant trapped feeling is why he goes to the movie nearly every night.  Amanda's conflict is something that she eventually comes right out and says.  " My devotion has made me a witch and so I make myself hateful to my Children"(Williams, 1251).  This is essentially saying that by wanting what is best for her children, Amanda has caused a bitterness between them all. She hates the feelings between them all, but in her heart, she truly wishes to help her children out.  Lastly, Laura has some personal physical and psychological issues.  Laura, being constantly under comparison of her mother, has many self esteem issues that she must try and deal with.  By Williams using Laura as a symbol in The Glass Menagerie, we are able to see how fragile and breakable Laura is.  She knows how fragile her life is and tries to fix it.  However, like Jim said, getting over being shy and timid takes time and practice.