From The Glass Menagerie

How can Tom and Amanda both be described?

fragile and compliant

gentle and nervous

scheming and forceful

aggressive and violent,

Tom and Amanda are both fragile and compliant. This is symbolized by the glass style of the play. They are like a glass that is easily broken and very fragile. However, they are compliant with the arguments that a person would tell to the public and they easily obey the laws.