Comment on Tom’s nightly disappearance in “The Glass Menagerie”.

Answer

Comment on Tom’s nightly disappearance. ✪✪✪ [2016]    

In “The Glass Menagerie” (1944) by Tennessee Williams (1911–1983), Tom’s nightly disappearance is not just a habit. It shows his wish to escape from his dull life and his family’s control. His going out every night to the “movies” is a symbol of freedom and frustration.

Tom’s Desire to Escape: Tom feels trapped in his small apartment, his low-paid job, and his mother’s endless talk. His mother, Amanda, thinks he wastes time and money. But Tom uses the “movies” as an excuse. He goes out to forget his troubles and to plan his escape. He says in Scene 3,

“I’m tired of the movies and I am about to move.” 

This line shows that he wants a real life, not an imagined one. He is a restless person. He dreams of travel, adventure, and poetry. Thus, his nightly disappearance becomes a secret rebellion against the dull world around him.

The Symbolic Meaning of Nightly Absence: The night represents freedom for Tom. The “movies” he talks about are not only films. They are symbols of dreams and adventure. He says in Scene 3,

“People go to the movies instead of moving.” 

This line means that people live through others’ actions, not their own. But Tom wants to live his own story. His nightly disappearance shows his inner conflict between duty and desire.

Tom’s Final Departure: In Scene 7, he finally leaves home forever. He says,

“I descended the steps of this fire escape for the last time …” 

This line shows that his nightly disappearance becomes permanent. He leaves to track freedom but carries guilt in his heart.

In short, Tom’s nightly disappearance reflects his longing for a better life. It is not just an escape but a protest against emotional confinement. His body leaves home, but his memory never escapes. His going out each night becomes the slow journey toward