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The idea of magic in the play provides more insight into Tom's motives regarding his aspirations to escape. In the beginning of scene four, Tom returns home late at night after hours of drinking, explaining to Laura how he was enjoying a magician's show. Tom is fascinated and he recalls that ".the wonderfullest trick of all was the coffin trick. We nailed him into a coffin and he got out of the coffin without removing one nail. There is a trick that would come in handy for me - get me out of this two-by-four situation!" (215). Tom relates his life to a coffin like situation. Tom obviously desires the ability to escape his two-by-four situation much like the magician evaded the coffin's boundaries in the show. The ability to solve problems with magic rather than hard work is an attribute that Tom clearly wants to obtain. Tom continues, telling Laura, " You know it don't take much intelligence to get yourself into a, nailed-up coffin, Laura. But who the hell ever got himself out of one without removing one nail?" (215). This is when it becomes apparent that although Tom thirsts for freedom, he knows it will hurt his family, which he doesn't want to do. Tom confirms this later, when he tells Amanda, " Why, listen, if self is what I thought of, Mother, I'd be where he is - GONE! (He points to his father's picture)" (213). Tom is fascinated with any avenue that will allow him to fulfill his need to escape, yet he is hesitant about taking one that will hurt his mother and sister. .
While dreaming of his grand departure, Tom spends his time searching for means of temporary escape, exploring multiple methods. Alcohol becomes one of Tom's go-to methods to break away from reality. Tom is constantly going out late at night to drink and run away from his problems for a short few hours. Amanda expresses her concern for Tom's love for alcohol, arguing with him, "I think you've been doing things that you're ashamed ofPeople don't go to the movies at nearly midnight, and movies don't let out at two A.
