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 #16
"You don’t have to make any fuss."
"Oh, Tom, Tom, Tom, of course I have to make a fuss! I want things nice. not sloppy! Not thrown together. I’ll certainly have to do some fast thinking, won’t I?"
…
"You just don’t know. We can’t have a gentleman caller in a pigsty! All my wedding silver has to be polished, the monogrammed table linen ought to be laundered! The windows have to be washed and fresh curtains put up. And how about clothes? We have to wear something, don’t we?" (5.57, 5.59, Amanda).
While Amanda believes it is Tom’s duty to bring home money, she takes on for herself many home-related tasks.
Quote #17
"I paid my dues this month, instead of the light bill."
"You will regret it when they turn the lights off."
"I won’t be here." (6. 124-6.126, Tom and Jim).
In contrast to Amanda’s selflessness, Tom at moments does indeed appear to be selfish.
Quote #18
"That’s right, now that you’ve had us all make such fools of ourselves. The effort, the preparations, all the expense! The new floor lamp, the rug, the clothes for Laura! All for what? To entertain some other girl’s fiancé! Go to the movies, go! Don’t think about us, an unmarried sister who’s crippled and has no job! Don’t let anything interfere with your selfish pleasure! Just go, go, go—to the movies!" (7.319, Amanda).
Because Jim was engaged, Amanda believes that Tom has failed to fulfill his obligations to the family.