The political context in which this play was written may help to explain why Tom made his decision to leave. This play was set during the time period of 1900s, which meant that it was difficult to support a family at that time. Especially with the other members of the family not working. Not only was Tom’s sister handicap and completely helpless but his nagging mother didn’t help at all either. Tom had the responsibly of paying the bills and providing the food for his family. And although his mother did want to work, she was in no position to get a job, especially being and an older female at that time with no work experience. So politically, Tom made the decision that would help further him, without having his family hindering his ability to succeed. Although he was devastated to leave Laura, he knew that his future would be immovable if he remained in the same household or town as his mother. In the end, Tom was just looking out for himself, just like his father.
In the social context, the reason for Tom leaving can be explained because Tom was living in despair. He often dreamt of escaping the Wingfield household to seek better opportunities, and finds himself unhappy with his job, often going to the movies to hide from reality. It was also evident that Tom didn’t have a good relationship with his mother. They would constantly be arguing over the smallest things, such as table manners or his smoking. “All right, I will! The more you shout about my selfishness to me the quicker I’ll go, and I won’t go to the movies!” This was the final argument tom and his mother had before he left. Her annoyance and assertiveness was what inevitable pushed Tom away for good. And although he cared about Laura, he didn’t really seem to show it, being very distant and emotionless towards her. His eagerness to leave town is further pushed by Jim, when he offers him ideas of better job opportunities. And with his unfulfilling social life it is easy to appreciate why he was obligated to leave. Tom didn’t want to grow old with his mother and sister, thinking about what could’ve been. He took the risk and took control of his own life.
Seeing Tom’s social and political viewpoint makes it hard for the audience to opinionate Tom as heartless and cruel for deserting him mother and sister. In fact, they might just question themselves, “if I was in Tom’s situation, would I have left too?” There are many different ways Tom could’ve approached his family situation. He didn’t have to leave. But the frustration in his life makes it easy for people to see why he did.
