Each persona displayed in Shel Silverstein’s poem represents each social class evident in society today. Bob’s need to find social acceptance among the elite and powerful is symbolized by his suit. Jack’s rebuff of social acceptance is merely a worthless gesture belied by his purchase of expensive, yet hidden, shorts. Tom is a simple, poor, working man who cares not about social perceptions and statuses, but diligently seeks to satisfy his basic needs.
Bob epitomizes the individual desiring to attain a higher socioeconomic status through highly commercialized products. By purchasing the high priced suit, he believes that it enables him to gain broader social acceptance and higher success at work. Adapting it to today’s consumeristic tendencies,
Bob epitomizes the individual desiring to attain a higher socioeconomic status through highly commercialized products. By purchasing the high priced suit, he believes that it enables him to gain broader social acceptance and higher success at work. Adapting it to today’s consumeristic tendencies,