Analyzing Goodman's Short Story 'Company Man'
Ellen Goodman, the author of the short story, “Company Man.” The story was all too real and relatable. Something that can happen and tear apart the best of families. A father or mother constantly working, over working, and becoming so involved with their job that their family begins to live in the shadow of their everyday thoughts. This man Phil fell victim to what some may consider a type of disease, addicted to work. “He worked himself to death, finally and precisely, at 3:00 A.M. Sunday morning (Goodman par. 5).” Not surprisingly, Phil also died from his overzealous working lifestyle at a still young age of 51 years old. Little did he realize, he was dispensable. “..The afternoon of the funeral, the company president had begun, discreetly
of course, with care and taste, to make inquiries about his replacement (Goodman par. 18). He wasted away a beautiful life he could have spent with his family to a life of work and fulfilling work obligations just to be replaced after passing away like it is nothing. Of course, Phil would have never known that for his mind was filled with work and nothing but work. Goodman made a point to show that this man could have been more, done more, and have a happier life if he would have just stopped and smelled the roses as they say. His wife dearly missed him, his children barely knowing him, and him just being clueless for so much time. The hidden tragedy of this story of a family losing their husband and father is heartbreaking. As mentioned in Goodman’s story she includes when someone tells Phil’s wife sorry for her loss and saying he knows how she will miss him, she responds with, “I already have (Goodman par. 17).” This is just another point Goodman provides to show the audience that this man was gone before he was really even gone. This should be a message to all working parents, husbands, and wives. Stop and smell the roses, you have a wonderful family and life to enjoy.
Works Cited
DiYanni, Robert, ed. 2nd ed. Boston: Pearson Higher Education, 2003. Print. Sept. 6 2013.
of course, with care and taste, to make inquiries about his replacement (Goodman par. 18). He wasted away a beautiful life he could have spent with his family to a life of work and fulfilling work obligations just to be replaced after passing away like it is nothing. Of course, Phil would have never known that for his mind was filled with work and nothing but work. Goodman made a point to show that this man could have been more, done more, and have a happier life if he would have just stopped and smelled the roses as they say. His wife dearly missed him, his children barely knowing him, and him just being clueless for so much time. The hidden tragedy of this story of a family losing their husband and father is heartbreaking. As mentioned in Goodman’s story she includes when someone tells Phil’s wife sorry for her loss and saying he knows how she will miss him, she responds with, “I already have (Goodman par. 17).” This is just another point Goodman provides to show the audience that this man was gone before he was really even gone. This should be a message to all working parents, husbands, and wives. Stop and smell the roses, you have a wonderful family and life to enjoy.
Works Cited
DiYanni, Robert, ed. 2nd ed. Boston: Pearson Higher Education, 2003. Print. Sept. 6 2013.