The Glass Menagerie: Final Scene Analysis

       After reading The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams, I look back at the last scene of the drama. In this final scene, Tom has chosen to follow in his father's footsteps by leaving behind his family.  By abandoning his mother and sister, Tom is free to finally be adventurous and pursue his dreams.  However, in his travels, Tom comes across "pieces of colored glass" and instantly thinks of Laura (Williams).  Moreover, Tom journeys across the country to rid himself of his past life, yet everything he encounters reminds him of his sister.  I predict that tom is haunted by Laura because of his guilt of leaving her behind.  Tom tells Laura to blow the candle out so that she stops worrying about him and lets him go.  I assume that Laura blowing out the candle symbolizes the end to Laura and Tom's relationship.