The Glass Menagerie

     Tom is one confusing character in The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams.  At one point I can tell that he cares for his family, but for some reason he is always cruel to them.  He also has a strange attraction towards Laura which is quite weird.  However, in the end when he tells Laura to "blow out your candles" (1289) I can tell that he really does care for her.  I just do not get why he had to leave them behind.  I get that he wanted to free himself , but in doing so he hurt his loved ones.  Tom's situation makes me think about what I would do if I were him.  I can honestly say that I have no idea.  I hate not being able to make people happy, but I guess I cannot please everyone.  In the end, I would probably do what is best for me but still alright for my family.  I would start my own life but still help my family as much as I can.