The Glass Menagerie V

In Tennessee William's The Glass Menagerie, the story ends with Tom's abandonment of his family. However, unlike his father, it is clear Tom is tormented by guilt for this action. Tom was repressed and his anger and frustration boiled over until he escaped his family, not thinking of the consequences. It is clear by his ending monologue, however, that his decision haunts him. He states "I was pursued by something" (Williams, 1289). Tom is pursued by guilt, although he seeks out vices in his new life in an attempt to forget. In the end, Tom begs Laura to blow out her candles. These candles represent her connection to Tom. Due to his guilt, Tom would rather forget his family and enjoy his new life without them. He feels he cannot do this until Laura willingly breaks the connection, blowing out the candle. In the last line, he states goodbye to her, and she blows out the candle, and their connection forever.