Filthy With Things, By T. C. Boyle

In this short story titled: “Filthy with Things,” the author T.C. Boyle explores the protagonists Julian Laxner’s “At war with self” in his overindulgence in materialistic things. Boyle presents Mr. Laxner as the American dreamer who has a deep understanding of the spacious world, yet locked & stuck in an impenetrable chaotic house filled with “unnecessary” materials amassed by him and his loving wife Marsha. Julian, being fed up with his reality decides to call a professional organizer named Susan Certaine. Certaine examines the couple’s entire house as Julian tiptoes around the possibility of reconstructing his impossible home. However, Certaine is a determined woman; she convinces Julian in her sweet, yet manipulative words to seal the deal
The Certaine crew starts to clear paths in the house and remove everything that belongs to Julian and his Marsha, and label every piece of their collectables and furniture. Julian, in a disarray state, snaps as soon as he finds Certaine in his precious den filled with his books, charts and telescopes. Feeling discomfort with this throng violating his privacy & space, he decides to finally stand up against Certaine and threaten her, but that results in Certaine persuading & convincing him to join his wife in the Co-Dependent hostel. Feeling guilt over neglecting his beloved wife in that hostel, he agrees and joins her. However, during his stay, Julian felt imprisoned in that hostel; he couldn’t meet up with Marsha or socialize with people who suffer just as much as he does. Frightened by this eerie hostel, he decides to run off to a motel to survive his next few days before finally seeing his home altered. He is found by Certaine eventually and told to come to his house on the final day of organizing. Julian is excited and ready to see his new home. But, Certaine took it all, everything that belonged to the couple. Julian feels all alone and disappointed. Even with Marsha finally being in his arms, he never felt this alone and empty