Themes Of Damage Goods By Tim Winton

Tim Winton’s ‘Damaged Goods’ is an excellent representation and exploration of the central theme ‘relationships’. This theme becomes apparent as the narrator attempts to un piece the complex and damaged puzzle that is Vic’s past. It was described as if Vic’s wife above all else wanted to “complete the psychological puzzle at the centre of Vic’s life”. Vic was entranced by Strawberry Alison at first glance, and an obsession was soon formed. The relationship Vic had with his father was troubling to Vic, his father, who was the local police officer for the town was constantly engulfed in traumatic experiences throughout his line of work. Vic’s obsession was one of the only things that could take his mind off the fear and negativity Vic’s father …show more content…
‘On her knees’ is told in Vic’s perspective on how his mother struggles “to pay off his debts and keep us a float and get me through university”. As explained in the short story Vic’s father had left the family which had left the family under immense financial pressures which forces them to move back to the city in order for Vic’s mother to find a job as a cleaner. This job was not ideal or preferred however under the circumstances it was described as “all she could get”. Throughout her time as a house cleaner she was falsely accused of robbing the house of an expensive pair of earrings, despite the accusations she was invited to clean the house one more time before her position was revoked. The integrity and dignity of Vic’s mother was presented to the readers as when she cleans the house for the last time she ensures it is to the best of her ability. After she had completed the house her payment was left behind on the counter. She explains to her son, Vic, that “I am worth more” than the money inside the envelope. She was falsely stripped of her dignity as she was accused of theft however no matter how bad she needed that money it was clear to the target audience that she cared for her dignity and her self-worth more than the envelope of money. Not only did she reclaim her sense of dignity but also taught Vic a valuable lesson …show more content…
The narrator is torn between a normal teenage life and the one he must live up to which is full of responsibility’s and hard work. The tension on the narrator’s family was inflicted due to his father leaving his family for work purposes, this was the narrators calling to step up and become the man of the house. The theme of responsibility is not only represented in the fact that he has increased amount of house work and must watch over the baby, but also the responsibility the narrator feels to keep this family safe in this new town. In order to complete this task on keeping his family safe, he enlist the help of his father’s rifle. As this is stated “From here you have a long, clear view. Responsibility is on you now, formless and implacable as gravity.” It is clear to the target audience that he feels as if his family is in danger and that he must protect them with this rifle. The narrator not only finds himself in a safe and secure position behind the rifles barrel, but it also assures him that his responsibility to his family is being