This passage from scene three plainly shows us the tempestuousness of the relationship between Tom and his mother, Amanda. One of the play's important themes is the conflict between the desire to live one's own life and the responsibility for one's family. Tom's wages pay the bills, but Amanda continues to treat him as a child. She confiscates and returns his books, and during their argument she attempts to control their discussion as an adult controls an argument with a little boy. Remarks such as: "I think you've been doing things that you are ashamed of. That's why you act like this. I don't believe you go every night to the movies," show how much Amanda believes that Tom should not be wasting time in the movies, but should be providing for her.
             Amanda's "take charge" manner comes from her being left by her husband to raise the children alone and she is fearful that Tom is on the same path and will leave her to support herself. At present, Tom is Amanda's only source of income. Tom works in a shoe warehouse to provide for her and Laura. This is by far the single relationship existing linking Tom and Amanda. Tom's significance to Amanda can be seen by her comment "What right do you have to jeopardize your job, Jeopardize the security of us all? How'd you think we'd manage if you were-," this shows how vital Tom is to Amanda but more as a source of wealth rather than as her son.
             Tom is simply tired of Amanda's nagging and putting him down. He strikes back with equivalent force by telling her what she already knows to be true, that she cares not about what he is doing or wants to do but only cares for herself. Tom's dramatic use of imagery strikes a chord with the audience when he says, "I'd rather somebody picked up a crowbar and battered out my brains- than go back mornings! I go!" This particular statement shows his powerful hatred for his job and Amanda for forci...