Detailed Analysis and Notes on 'Things I Know to Be True'

Meet the Characters

Ever wondered how different family members can be, even when they share the same home? The Price family shows us exactly this through Bob and Ben, two completely different personalities.

Bob Price is the steady, reliable dad who finds joy in simple things like his garden. He's got strong morals and absolutely hates being lied to - "She knows a lie to my face would kill me" perfectly sums up his character. Bob's the type of bloke who's happy with what he has because he doesn't think he deserves more, which makes him incredibly humble but sometimes limits his ambitions.

Ben, on the other hand, is restless and never stands still. He's scared of coming home because he feels like he needs to prove he's improved every time. Unlike his dad, Ben doesn't really understand money's value and often makes poor choices simply because he can.

Key Insight: The cyclical structure of the play mirrors the changing seasons, showing how families go through natural cycles of growth, conflict, and renewal.

Family Tensions and Relationships

Family dynamics can be complicated, and the Price family definitely proves this point. Ben feels frightened of home and avoids facing consequences for his actions, whilst Bob struggles to be supportive of all his children equally.

Fran brings another layer of complexity - she's often angry and, in her final moments, still focused on trying to change Bob rather than accepting him. This creates tension that runs throughout their relationship, especially when Bob won't make eye contact during arguments.

The airport scene with Rosie shows Bob at his best - he can't believe she's home safely, drops everything to embrace her, then immediately starts worrying about how she got there. His protective nature shines through as he uses hand gestures and maintains eye contact, teaching her like a caring father should.

Bob's relationship with technology, particularly the coffee machine Ben bought, reveals the generational gap. Ben gesticulates grandly, upset that his dad won't embrace modern conveniences, whilst Bob sticks to his principles: "Because I don't need them, son."

Key Insight: Physical gestures and eye contact (or lack thereof) reveal characters' true feelings more than their words do.

Major Conflicts and Revelations

Money and values create explosive conflicts in this family. When Ben shows up with his new car, the contrast between father and son becomes crystal clear. Ben's excited, gesticulating positively, whilst Bob looks surprised and disappointed, keeping his hands by his side.

Bob thinks the car makes Ben seem "better than [he] is," and Ben fires back with harsh words about his dad's life: "I'm not prepared to work all my life for the same company for a handshake and a car at cost at the end of it." This generational clash shows Ben wanting more whilst Bob values stability and honesty.

The drug dealing revelation brings everything to a head. Ben's been running and stealing, and when confronted, he collapses under the pressure. Bob stands over him like the famous Muhammad Ali photo, decisive and unforgiving: "You let something ugly in son, envy... you're going to face responsibility for what you've done."

Bob's conversation with Fran reveals his deepest fears: "I feel like life has passed me by." He admits he can only "wait for the change of seasons so I can do it all again," showing how trapped he feels in his routine.

Key Insight: The play uses famous imagery (like the Ali fight pose) to show power dynamics between characters.

Tragedy and Family Unity

Fran's death becomes the turning point that changes everything. Before she dies, she wants to tear up Bob's beloved garden and start fresh, which would destroy the one thing that gives his life meaning and structure.

Bob's reaction is devastating - he moves incredibly slowly at first, as if all life has drained from him. Then he rips his shirt off, screams, and destroys his own garden by ripping out the trees he's spent years nurturing. Without Fran or his garden, Bob is reduced to nothing.

Ben's reaction shows his vulnerability - he falls, mumbles with increased pitch, puts his hand to his chest feeling physical pain, and repeats himself quietly. The grief has consumed both men completely.

The final scene brings powerful redemption. Bob has lost his motivation and needs his children to literally dress him, showing how grief can reverse family roles. Yet he still knows what needs to be done, speaking the final line: "Are we ready, right then let's go." The family connects hands as one unit, showing that even after devastating loss, families can find strength together.

Key Insight: The play's cyclical structure comes full circle - just as seasons change, families can rebuild and start again after tragedy.