Happiness vs. Responsibility The Glass Menagerie, written by Tennessee Williams brings forward the question as to whether one has the right to be happy by giving up important responsibilities. Tom Wingfield is a character in the play that must face this moral dilemma. He is being driven crazy by his mother's constant nagging and dissatisfaction with his every action. However, he feels it is his duty to provide for his mother and sister, while at the same time is giving up his aspirations and dreams. His mother does not appreciate what he sacrifices for them. In fact she often tells him that he is self-centered. Tom