1. Inner vs. External Conflict: Tom is torn between his desires for personal fulfillment and the responsibilities he feels toward his family. He dreams of escaping the confines of his mundane existence and pursuing a writing career, but he also feels a sense of duty to care for his disabled sister, Laura, and his overprotective mother, Amanda. This inner conflict creates a tension between Tom's personal aspirations and his familial obligations.
2. Artistic Expression vs. Practicality: Tom is passionate about writing and sees it as a means of self-expression and escape. However, he struggles to find a balance between his artistic pursuits and the practical realities of life. He recognizes that his writing career might not provide financial stability, which raises doubts about whether he should prioritize it over more practical career paths.
3. Escaping vs. Embracing Reality: Tom longs to break free from the stifling atmosphere of his family home and explore the world beyond. He feels constrained by the limitations imposed by his circumstances and fantasizes about a life of adventure and freedom. However, he also grapples with the fear of the unknown and the guilt of abandoning his family. This dilemma reflects the tension between Tom's desire for personal growth and his attachment to his family.
4. Truth vs. Illusion: Tom is caught between the reality of his family's situation and the illusions that Amanda creates to preserve her fragile sense of dignity. He recognizes the need to confront their financial difficulties and Laura's mental fragility, but he also understands the importance of maintaining hope and fostering his mother's sense of self-worth. This conflict between truth and illusion affects Tom's perception of reality and his decisions throughout the play.
These dilemmas contribute to Tom's character development and explore the complexities of human choices, responsibilities, and dreams in the face of challenging circumstances.