ithout removing a single nail". Tom knows that Amanda and Laura are like those nails and it will be impossible for him to not disturb the nails. He is suffocating in his own figurative coffin, but knows his escape will upset Amanda and Laura. The fact that he actually managed to remain in the house all these years, displays his affections for his beloved sister and mother. The only two people he loves in the whole world. Throughout the play there are numerous symbols representing different aspects of all the characters. Tom escaped from the fantasy world of Amanda and Laura by hanging out on the fire escape, even though he could never truly flee. Unfortunately for Tom, his life was cramped like the coffin and he was slowly suffocating emotionally and spiritually. Discontented with the lifestyle he followed in the footsteps of his father, he searched for adventure, escaping the nagging of Amanda. Some people have their fantasy worlds, and chose to live in them but that does not necessarily mean it is in the best interests of the surrounding circle of friends and family....
