The Glass Menagerie: Pathos and Humor

I've already addressed the pathos that the character of Tom brings to attention with his unfortunate position in a job that he hates. However, I have determined that he is my favorite character in Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie with the humor he brings to the play as well. I'm not sure if it stems from his bitterness with life or his personality in general, but his sarcasm brings some distinct comedic effect to the plays abundance of Amanda's fretting and Laura's predicaments. For example, he asks, "An particular place you would like me to sit?" In response to his mothers over exaggerated nagging about Laura's potential gentleman caller. On the next page, he implores, "Shall I call him up and ask him his minute?" when his mother will not leave the issue of whether the Irish Mr. James D. O'Connor drinks. Like his mother portrays a typical mother in many ways, he is an average brother. He is funny and sarcastic and cares very much for his sister. When Amanda is asking that he find a gentleman caller for Laura, his response of "Oh, my go-osh!" reminded me of my brother in his sarcastic and humorous replies to many of his mother's requests. Regardless, Tom secures a gentleman caller anyways, showing that through the humor and bitterness, he cares very much for his mother and sister.