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The Glass Menagerie Freedom and Confinement Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Scene.Line). Every time a character talks counts as one line, even if what they say turns into a big long monologue.

Quote #13

"And you-when I see you taking after his ways! Staying out late-and-well, you had been drinking the night you were in that-terrifying condition! Laura says that you hate the apartment and that you go out nights to get away from it! Is that true, Tom?" (4.63, Amanda).

Laura recognizes Tom’s desires more clearly than does Amanda.

Quote #14

"But why—why, Tom—are you always so restless? Where do you go to, nights?

"I—go to the movies."

"Why do you go to the movies so much, Tom?"

"I go to the movies because—I like adventure. Adventure is something I don’t have much of at work, so I go to the movies." (4.65-4.68).

Tom seeks from the movies what his own life lacks, and thus uses them as a means to escape from the confines of his daily goings-on.

Quote #15

"Man is by instinct a lover, a hunter, a fighter, and none of those instincts are given much play at the warehouse!" (4.76, Tom).

Tom seeks escape to the life he believes he was meant to lead.