Contents Of A Dead Man's Pocket Analysis

Content’s of a Dead Man’s Pocket: Were Tom’s Actions Warranted?

In the story written by Jack Finney, an assumed marketer at a grocery store risks his life for what he considers to be an extremely important piece of paper. More precisely, the paper flies out of his open window, landing on the ledge of his high-rise building. The paper lands too far beyond his reach, and because Tom cannot conceive of abandoning all of the research he has completed, he climbs onto the narrow ledge, beginning what becomes a physically precarious and psychologically agonizing journey to retrieve the yellow paper. I believe this to be exceedingly dim-witted, however understandable – as the modern pressures of civil life can cause one to place work above all else,
And he was willing to go lengths for it. This of course, is foolish. Within certain parameters, a healthy work ethic is very important, but when it comes to such obsession Tom is in the wrong, which he later realizes in the story. At this point in time in the story he acts irresponsibly, and climbs out onto the ledge, even though moments before he had admitted to himself the absurdity of this idea. He rationalizes it to himself, saying it will take “…less than two minutes” and “…would make a good story at the office…” however, we know this is in no way enough justification for risking your life.

Near the end of the story, Tom reaches the inside of his apartment, in shock. He has now had the epiphany that work is in fact not the most important factor of life, and he was neglected his social and private life. He weighs down the yellow paper with a pencil, and goes to the theatre to find Clare. When he opens the apartment door, a vacuum is created and the paper is blown out the now shattered window. With his new-found wisdom, he simply laughs and leaves. After an entire story of risky and unnecessary decisions, Tom Belecke finally got one