"His nature is not remorseless, but to escape from a trap he has to act without pity." Consider Tennessee Williams' presentation of Tom in the light of this statement

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“His nature is not remorseless, but to escape from a trap he has to act without pity.”  Consider Tennessee Williams’ presentation of Tom in the light of this statement  The character of Tom in Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie is perhaps the most interesting in the play, in that he is in some ways the most real character, even more so than Jim, in a world of memories.  The main reason for this is that Tom is Williams’ autobiographical character, which is especially evident in the narrative aspect.  The early life of Williams was very much like that of Tom, with the same sort of domestic problems occurring, and so through Tom we have a window into Williams’ life.  Therefore Tom is going to be shown in a generally flattering life, as he is a reflection of Williams, and thus we see a character who is quiet, artistic, caring, tender and deeply regretful of having to abandon his mother and sister to their fate.  Tom’s actions throughout
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the play cement his quiet, caring nature, except for the odd argument, although even when he loses his temper completely he never strikes anyone, but does have some quite cutting things to say.  However, at the end, he does the unexpected, leaving his mother and sister to fend for themselves.  I do not believe this makes him remorseless, as he is within his rights to leave, and Laura isn’t completely helpless – only in her mind (Jim’s analysis of inferiority complex was quite a good guess, although probably by sheer chance) and Tom does not leave without much regret.  However, ...

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