"This is the dress in which I led teh cotillion. Won the cakewalk twice at Sunset Hill. wore one spring to the Governor's ball in Jackson! See how I sashayed around the ballroom, Laura?"
The Glass Menagerie, pg. 1265
Despite all of her accusations that Tom is a selfish son, I think that Amanda is the most selfish character in this play. This is saying something, considering the size of Jim's ego, and Tom's actions at the end. However, Amanda wins out because even in the most dire circumstances, she has to put the attention on herself. Multiple times in this short play, she goes off, reminding her children how popular and sought-after she was when she was growing up. When Jim comes over, while she is supposed to be setting up Jim and Laura, Amanda dresses her best, flirting with her daughter's caller. Immediately, her style of talking changes, using a southern accent with phrases like " "It takes a while fo' us to adjust ou'selves". Her dress and style of talking both put the spotlight on herself, rather than her daughter. Even when she does put the spotlight on her daughter, it is indirectly to benefit herself, as a smart match for her daughter will help provide for Amanda. Selfish is the first word I would use to characterize Amanda.
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