Themes and message

Escape and need of freedom

The theme of escape and freedom is present from the very beginning of “Neighbors”. Bill and Arlene Miller are initially described as a happy couple (p. 86, l. 1), but it soon becomes clear that they feel trapped in their boring lives (p. 86, ll. 1-4). They regard their jobs as something unpleasant which has been forced upon them, and they do not have the same freedoms as their neighbours who travel a lot and have regular parties. 

However, they do not seem willing or able to improve their own lives. Instead, they try to run from their unhappiness by hiding in the Stones’ apartment and finding some excitement by taking liberties with their possessions: “He reached in back for the bottle of Chivas Regal. He took two drinks from the bottle.” (p. 88, ll. 4-5). Bill seems to be taking samples of the fun lifestyle that he and Arlene are so envious of. 

At one point Bill even tries on some of Harriet’s clothes (p. 91, ll. 7-11). This does not mean that he is secretly a transvestite. He is merely exploring various identities and playing with the idea of who he might become. ...