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196
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7 Dec 2025
•
Detailed Analysis and Notes on 'Things I Know to Be True'
Reuben Cowell
@reubencowell
1 / 4
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 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.
We thought you’d never ask...
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4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Detailed Analysis and Notes on 'Things I Know to Be True'
Reuben Cowell
@reubencowell
Things I Know to Be Trueis a powerful family drama by Andrew Bovell that follows the Price family through the changing seasons of their lives. The play explores how ordinary families deal with love, lies, disappointment, and loss as... Show more
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.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
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.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
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 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.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
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.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user