The Glass Menagerie

Amanda Wingfield: Amanda is the mother of Tom and Laura. Amanda is a lively woman, who enjoys living in the past. Amanda constantly tells her children about all her suitors when she was younger. She takes pride in the fact that so many men wanted her. Amanda explains that not only did she have many men wanting to date her, but the men were of high status and successful:"There was young Champ Laughlin who later became vice-president of the Delta Planters Bank,"(pg.998). Amanda, tells her stories repeatedly, especially to Laura. Amanda is disappointed that her daughter is developing into a shy young lady, with no suitors. Amanda is very persistent in finding a prosperous husband for Laura. She even enrolls Laura in business college so she can meet potential men to marry. It is ironic how Amanda claims she had many suitors who want to date her, however, she has no husband present. By being so demanding and bossy, I feel that Amanda is driving her kids away from herself. Her kids are not happy with the way she compares them with only her expectations. Tom has decided to leave and join the Union of Merchant Seamen:"I paid my dues this month, instead of the light bill,"(pg.1029). Tom is tired of his life with his mom and working at the warehouse, so he decides to leave and search for adventure. Amanda, would have never expected her son to leave her and Laura. Amanda only thought about her plans for her children, instead of trying to understand their individual desires in life.