Tom Garrison Character Analysis - I Never Sang for My Father

A detailed Summary of Tom Garrison Character Analysis - I Never Sang for My Father


Robert Anderson's play I Never Sang for My Father is an emotional story about Gene Garrison and his father, Tom Garrison, attempting to love one another. His father's abandonment and his mother's early death traumatized Tom Garrison as a child. Forced to take care of himself and his siblings, he grew up fast, cold and emotionally detached. As an adult, Tom Garrison is controlling, self-centered and materialistic. His demanding methods and distant emotions prevent he and his grown children from being able to love and communicate with each other.

As an adult, Tom Garrison had been very successful and well respected. Through determination he accomplished more than anyone would have expected. "Early in life I developed a will of iron". Tom used that same "will of iron" to raise and control his children. Tom dro


Tom Garrison presents two different faces to the world and his family, but he also has two internal conflicts. Tom is insecure and discontented. He struggles to maintain a strong outward appearance. Many times he remarks "I can take care of myself. Don't worry about me". Yet on other occasions he strains to be sensitive and show his love. He seems to genuinely care about his wife, saying "Is there a draft in here? I like to keep Mrs. Garrison out of drafts". He displays devotion to his wife when he says, "Your wish is my command". He tries to show love for Gene, but his attempts are rejected. "As he turns to go he puts his arm around Gene's shoulder" page 575. Several times Tom states "I can't tell you what a comfort it is knowing your down in the city. Don't know what we'd do without you".

Tom appears

Some common words found in the essay are:
Tom Garrison, tom garrison, Sang Father, Gene Garrison, Robert Anderson's, adult tom, mother's death, adult tom garrison,

Approximate Word count = 553
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

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