Page 4: Reflections on Relationships and Society
The final page of Liz Lochhead's "The Bargain" broadens its scope to comment on relationships and society at large. The poem continues to use the market setting as a backdrop for these reflections, with vivid descriptions of the vendors and their wares.
The line "The man with the patter and all these curtain lengths in fibreglass is flabbergasted at the bargain" introduces a sense of irony, as the speaker observes the superficiality of some transactions. This could be read as a critique of relationships based on shallow values or false pretenses.
Lochhead then shifts focus to the broader community, observing "struggling families" and noting that "All the couples we know fall apart or have kids." This stark observation highlights the challenges faced by couples and the limited options they seem to have.
Quote: "Oh we've never shouldered much."
This line suggests a sense of guilt or inadequacy in comparison to others who are dealing with more significant responsibilities. It also implies a certain lightness or freedom in the speaker's relationship, which may be both a blessing and a source of uncertainty.
The poem ends with a focus on portability, suggesting that the couple values flexibility and the ability to move on. This could be interpreted as both a strength and a potential weakness in their relationship.
Highlight: The contrast between the "Fire Surround Boutique" and the image of a father "carrying hearth home" emphasizes the difference between superficial appearances and the real struggles of family life.
Throughout this final section, Lochhead uses harsh alliteration and a conversational tone to maintain the gritty, realistic atmosphere of the poem. The lack of punctuation in some lines creates a sense of continuous flow, mirroring the ongoing nature of relationship struggles and societal pressures.
