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 learn the reasons why he might be acting this way. Dan has just returned from a transfer in Sydney. We question what happened in Sydney for him to behave in this manner. Mary, an excellent cook, has outdone herself and, trying to please her husband, explains, "I experimented while you were away." Dan laughs this off, and, as if in a 'bragging-pubescent-boy' tone he hears "...another voice in his head reply smartly, 'So did I! So did I!' "
             It seems Dan's distraction at the dinner table is caused by memories of an affair in Sydney with a woman named
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