The Cost of Things

A detailed Summary of The Cost of Things


In The Cost of Things, we are introduced in the first line to the main character, Dan Freeman, who, as we discover throughout the proceeding paragraphs, is somewhat spitefully frugal. He resentful at the cost of his house (that he hasn't yet paid for) and dislikes his own children, as they haven't "gone without" in, what 'appears' to Dan as, a time of need.

The significance of the title becomes apparent. Dan seems to be unsympathetic towards his children, Bill and Laura, as he remarks to his wife Mary; "These two will end up in a factory if they're not careful...They're irresponsible. If they knew what a depression was like..."

However, Dan's malice is not only reserved for his children, he implies that in someway Mary is partly to blame for their behaviour (Bill and Laura are quite innocently fulfilling their roles as children). "You encourage them to want - impossible things. Why? To turn me into a villain when I refuse?" Once again, when Bill and Laura are denied "grown-up toys", Dan justifies it, "They'll end up bus conductors if they're not careful."

While we are quick to judge Dan Freeman for the unacceptable treatment of his family, we


However, we suspect this is not how Clea views this fleeting romance. While Dan can fool himself that the relationship will survive, Clea is hesitant to agree. Not only is she ridiculed for being unable to cook impressive meals for her lover (as his wife does exceptionally), Clea examines the hand-knitted sweater that Dan is wearing and realises instantly that she could never become a housewife nor replace Dan's wife, Mary, "You're beginning to think about your old clothes and family holidays. These intimate little things are what count in the end, aren't they?"

Dan's affair in Sydney is quite possibly a consequence of his life in Melbourne. The return to the frustration of his mundane and suburban middle-class existence appears to be the cause of his preoccupation. However, Dan has no one else to blame for being unnecessarily bothered by these thoughts of Sydney. After all, the fling is somewhat exaggerated in his own deluded mind.

How meaningful had this affair with Clea been if he couldn't even see her face in his memories? The fact that Dan can't remember hints that he doesn't want to remember (is this why he could not guarantee the behaviour of his mind?), that he was foolish for considering

Some common words found in the essay are:
Melbourne Dan, Dan Freeman, Bill Laura, Dan Clea, I' Dan's, Mary You're, DrBarnes Mary, Clea Dan, Clea Noticing, Harrower Cost, bill laura, affair sydney, dan freeman, wife mary,

Approximate Word count = 815
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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