Comparing Antonia And The Glass Menagerie
“One life is all we have and we live it as we believe in living it. But to sacrifice what you are and to live without belief, that is a fate more terrible than dying” (Joan of Arc). The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams was published in 1945. It showcases the problems of the Wingfield family who live in St. Louis. Another work of literature, My Ántonia by Willa Cather, was published in 1918. It focuses on two families, the Burdens and the Shimerdas, who live on the Nebraskan prairie. In these two works of literature, Tom Wingfield and Mr. Shimerda sacrifice their happiness for their families but, eventually cannot handle their own unhappiness and they abandon their families. In My Ántonia, Mr. Shimerda gives up his happiness and his
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He works a job that he hates instead of pursuing his dreams so he can be strong and support his mother and sister. Tom’s mother, Amanda, is ungrateful for all he has sacrificed and even goes as far as to call him selfish. He reacts with outrage. “For sixty-five dollars a month I give up all that I dream of doing and being ever! And you say self—self’s all I ever think of” (Williams 22). Amanda also contributes to Tom’s unhappiness by scolding him for everything he does. After going to the movies for some enjoyment and action, he is reprimanded by Amanda who accuses him of drinking, “What right have you got to jeopardize your job? Jeopardize the security of us all?” (32). Amanda also constantly tries to control her son, she tells him “as soon as Laura has got somebody to take care of her…why, then you’ll be free to go wherever you please” (35). Over time, Tom’s resolve diminishes and he can no longer stand to live with his controlling mother and to be responsible for everyone in his family. He decides he has been trapped by his mother for too long and tells Laura that he needs to get out of the “two-by-four situation” which is their house (27). After having one final fight with Amanda where she continues to call him selfish and show no appreciation for his sacrifices, Tom leaves his mother and his sister for good. He yells, “The more you shout about my selfishness to me,
He works a job that he hates instead of pursuing his dreams so he can be strong and support his mother and sister. Tom’s mother, Amanda, is ungrateful for all he has sacrificed and even goes as far as to call him selfish. He reacts with outrage. “For sixty-five dollars a month I give up all that I dream of doing and being ever! And you say self—self’s all I ever think of” (Williams 22). Amanda also contributes to Tom’s unhappiness by scolding him for everything he does. After going to the movies for some enjoyment and action, he is reprimanded by Amanda who accuses him of drinking, “What right have you got to jeopardize your job? Jeopardize the security of us all?” (32). Amanda also constantly tries to control her son, she tells him “as soon as Laura has got somebody to take care of her…why, then you’ll be free to go wherever you please” (35). Over time, Tom’s resolve diminishes and he can no longer stand to live with his controlling mother and to be responsible for everyone in his family. He decides he has been trapped by his mother for too long and tells Laura that he needs to get out of the “two-by-four situation” which is their house (27). After having one final fight with Amanda where she continues to call him selfish and show no appreciation for his sacrifices, Tom leaves his mother and his sister for good. He yells, “The more you shout about my selfishness to me,