3. What is Tom's dilemma? Why is he always quarreling with his mother? What is his attitude toward Laura? Why does he finally leave? Does he ever resolve his dilemma?
"You think I'm crazy about the warehouse? You think I'm in love with the Continental Shoemakers? You think I want to spend fifty-five years down there in that -celotex interior! with -fluorescent- tubes! Look! I'd rather somebody picked up a crowbar and battered out my brains-- than go back mornings. I go!" p. 1246
Tom's dilemma is that he is trying so hard to break out of the confines of his depressing life. Day in and day out, he goes to a mundane job that he hates. Then every night he lives out fantasies vicariously through the actors in the movies he watches. He desires to leave this place behind and go on adventures like they do in the movies. I think a big reason he fights with Amanda is because she refuses to see all that he does for her and Laura. He hates what he does everyday but he continues to do it in order to pay for the two women in his life. And his one source of joy - going to the movies - is constantly being tainted by his mother's constant nagging about him going out instead of staying home with her. So he easily gets in quarrels with her. When it comes to Laura, Tom is very kind. He cares for her a great deal and is somewhat sympathetic of the struggles Laura has to face as well. Not only does she have to deal with the daily, physical pain of her leg, but she also has to deal with how Amanda treats her, which can end up being a greater challenge. So Tom feels like it is his duty to protect her and be there for her. I don't think Tom resolves his dilemma because when he leaves, he isn't fully escaping his problems. He still has to think back and have the regret of leaving Laura behind to deal with their mother.
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