The Company Man -By Ellen Goodman

Summary

Ellen Goodman’s The Company Man is a satirical piece that criticizes the American work culture through the portrayal of a man named Phil, who is described as a stereotypical corporate worker. Goodman paints a picture of Phil as a diligent and devoted employee who sacrifices everything, i.e. his health, family, and personal life, for his job. From the outset, Phil is introduced not as a person, but as a position: a 51-year-old who worked himself to death, literally, for his company. He is described in an emotionless and detached manner, emphasizing how his identity was reduced to his role at work.

Goodman uses irony and exaggeration to criticize how corporations dehumanize employees. Phil is portrayed as someone who worked long hours every day, even on weekends, and had no real life outside of work. Despite his dedication, the company replaces him almost immediately after his death, demonstrating its lack of emotional connection or loyalty to him. Goodman notes that the vice president of the company called his death “a loss to the company,” but she clearly suggests that this statement is hollow and impersonal.

Throughout the text, Goodman highlights the absurdity of Phil’s lifestyle. He believed he was required, but in reality, he was just another cog in the machine. His wife and children appear as afterthoughts in his life, and his obsession with work left them emotionally distant. Goodman implies that Phil’s children knew little about their father, and his wife had long accepted his absence, even when he was physically present.

The tone of the piece is both critical and mournful. Goodman doesn't only blame Phil for his choices; she also criticizes the culture that glorifies overworking and equating success with professional achievement alone. Through dry humour and a satirical lens, she shows how society often measures a man’s worth by his job title rather than his character or relationships.

In the final paragraphs, Goodman highlights how the company handles Phil’s death, swiftly replacing him and moving on without reflection. This final act reinforces the central theme: the corporate world values productivity over humanity.

In essence, The Company Man is a powerful critique of workaholism and the corporate mentality that prioritizes business over people. Goodman warns readers against losing themselves in their careers at the expense of their families, health, and personal fulfillment.

Interpretation

Ellen Goodman’s The Company Man is a strong and thoughtful message about how dangerous it can be to become too focused on work. The story is about a man named Phil who worked so much that he lost touch with his family, his health, and his own life. He believed that his job was the most important thing, and he gave everything to it. In the end, he died from overworking, and the company he worked for quickly replaced him, without truly caring about him as a person.

Goodman uses Phil’s story to criticize a society that praises people for working too hard and being completely dedicated to their jobs, even if it harms their well-being. She shows how Phil’s life became only about his job, and how that choice made him lonely and disconnected from the people who loved him. His family saw him as someone who was never really present, even when he was physically there.

The way Goodman writes the story is also important. She uses a cold, distant tone to show how companies often see workers as just numbers or positions, not as real people with emotions and lives outside of work. The company’s quick replacement of Phil after his death shows that all his hard work didn’t mean much to them once he was gone.

Through this piece, Goodman is warning readers not to make the same mistake Phil did. She is telling us that while work is important, it should not be the only thing in our lives. A person’s value should not be based only on their job title or how many hours they work. Relationships, health, and personal happiness matter too.

In simple terms, The Company Man teaches us that if we spend all our time trying to be successful at work, we might end up losing the things that truly make life meaningful.

Understanding

1. "He always ate egg salad sandwiches at his desk" (4). What is the implication of this sentence?

The sentence implies that Phil was so focused on work that he didn’t take breaks, even for lunch. It shows he had no balance between work and personal time.

2. What attitude does Phil’s wife have toward him?

Phil’s wife seems distant and resigned toward him. She accepts that his job always came first and that he was hardly present in their family life. She appears to have given up expecting more from him emotionally or physically.

3. What point does the writer make about the general situation of which Phil is only a part?

The writer shows that Phil’s situation is not unique. Like him, many people sacrifice their health, family, and happiness for work. She criticizes a society that values job success more than personal well-being.

4. Explain the relationship between Phil and his younger son. How did the relationship differ from his relationship with his other children? Why does Goodman bother to make the distinction?

Phil’s relationship with his younger son was distant and weak: they barely knew each other. This was different from his older children, who at least had memories of him before he became fully consumed by work. Goodman makes this distinction to show how Phil’s increasing obsession with work hurt his family over time, especially the younger child, who never got to know a present and caring father.

5. What is implied by the boss’s question at the end of the essay?

The boss’s question, "Who will be Phil's replacement?" implies that the company only cares about filling his position, not about his life or death. It shows how workers are seen as replaceable, and how little the company values them as people.

6. Why was no one surprised when Phil died?

No one was surprised when Phil died because he worked too much and didn’t take care of his health. People expected something like this to happen because of his unhealthy lifestyle.

Rhetoric/Language/Writing

1. What is the structure of the essay?

The structure of the essay is a mix of narration and commentary. It begins with the announcement of Phil’s death, then describes his work habits and personal life in a detailed and critical way. Goodman uses short, direct paragraphs to show how work consumed Phil’s life, and she adds her own opinions to highlight the problems in work-obsessed culture. The essay ends with the company’s quick replacement of Phil, stressing its cold attitude.

2. The writer has repeated the time of Phil’s death at three places. Give examples of other repetitions in the essay. What is the function of the repetitions?

Other repetitions in the essay include:

• The phrase “He worked himself to death” is repeated in different forms to emphasize how his overworking led directly to his death.
• Descriptions like “He worked six days a week, five of them until eight or nine at night” highlight his nonstop work schedule.
• The word “work” and references to his job appear frequently, showing how it dominated his life.

Function of the repetitions:

The repetitions stress how completely Phil's life was taken over by his job. They also show how routine and predictable his life had become, defined only by work. Goodman uses repetition to underline the harmful effects of a workaholic lifestyle and to criticize a society that supports it.

3. What tone is established by the short sentences in the essay? Is it ironic, acerbic, sarcastic, or neutral? Why?

The tone established by the short sentences in the essay is ironic. Ellen Goodman uses brief, blunt statements to highlight the contrast between Phil’s hard work and how little it truly mattered in the end. The irony lies in how dedicated Phil was, yet how quickly he was replaced and forgotten. This tone helps criticize the cold, uncaring nature of corporate life and the emptiness of a work-obsessed existence.

4. Most of the sentences are of the SVO type. What is the effect of such heavy use of repeated sentence forms?

The heavy use of SVO (Subject-Verb-Object) sentence forms creates a simple, direct, and repetitive rhythm that reflects the monotony and routine of Phil’s life. It mirrors how predictable and mechanical his daily work was. This structure also adds to the ironic and critical tone of the essay by showing how little variation or depth there was in his life outside of work.

5. Write an essay explaining what it means to be a company man or company woman.

Being a company man or company woman refers to someone who is deeply committed to their job and prioritizes their work above all else. This type of person is often seen as loyal, hardworking, and dedicated to the success of the company. They follow the rules, often working long hours and putting the company’s needs before their personal life. They may rise through the ranks, gaining respect for their dedication, but in doing so, they might also lose touch with their families, personal well-being, and hobbies.

A company man or company woman often defines themselves by their job. Their sense of worth comes from their position in the company and their ability to meet expectations. They are usually seen as reliable employees who are always available for the job, willing to go above and beyond to complete tasks and achieve company goals. However, this constant dedication can come at a high personal cost.

One of the main characteristics of a company man or woman is their sacrifice. They often spend little time with family or friends because they are always focused on their work. Their personal health may suffer due to long hours and stress. Many times, these individuals believe that the more they work, the more valuable they are to the company. Unfortunately, this mindset can lead to burnout, health issues, and strained relationships.

Being a company man or company woman can be rewarding in some ways, such as promotions and job security. However, the long-term effects are often negative, as their lives become consumed by work. These individuals may miss out on the joys of spending quality time with loved ones or pursuing personal passions outside of work.

In many cases, the company may not return the loyalty shown by the employee. When a company man or woman retires, is replaced, or passes away, the company often moves on quickly, showing little recognition or appreciation for the personal sacrifices made. This is the harsh reality many face when they identify too strongly with their work identity.

In conclusion, being a company man or company woman means dedicating yourself fully to your job, often at the cost of your personal life. While it may bring success in the workplace, it can lead to negative consequences for one’s health, relationships, and happiness. It is important to find a balance between work and life, valuing personal well-being just as much as professional success.

Discussion

1. What characteristics of the Type A personality does Phil possess?

Phil shows many characteristics of a Type A personality. He is highly competitive, always focused on work, and constantly busy. He works long hours every day, even on weekends, and never takes time to relax or enjoy life. Phil is also impatient and driven, always pushing himself to do more for the company. He believes that his job is the most important thing and wants to be seen as successful and important at work. These traits make him stressed and lead to poor health. Overall, Phil’s behaviour matches the typical signs of a Type A personality: hardworking, tense, and overly focused on achievement.

2. How do you think a company person can reduce their stress level?

A company person can reduce their stress level by creating a better balance between work and personal life. This means setting clear boundaries, such as not working after office hours and taking regular breaks during the day. They should make time for family, friends, and hobbies to relax and recharge. Regular exercise, healthy eating, and enough sleep also help lower stress. Learning to say “no” to extra work when it's too much is important, as well as asking for help when needed. Taking short vacations or days off can also refresh the mind. Most importantly, they should remember that their health and well-being matter just as much as their job.

3. Discuss the various characteristics of the contemporary corporate world.

The contemporary corporate world is fast-paced, highly competitive, and focused on results. It values productivity, efficiency, and profit, often expecting employees to work long hours and be constantly available. Technology plays a big role, making communication instant but also blurring the line between work and personal life. Many companies promote teamwork and innovation, but can also create pressure through high expectations and tight deadlines. Employees are often seen as replaceable, and job security may depend on performance rather than loyalty. While there are opportunities for growth and success, the corporate environment can also lead to stress, burnout, and a lack of work-life balance if not managed carefully.

4. Compare Phil with “the unknown citizen” of Auden’s poem. In what ways are they similar and dissimilar? Who, do you think, has a better life? Why?

Phil from Ellen Goodman’s essay and the unknown citizen from W.H. Auden’s poem are similar in that both lived lives that followed society’s expectations. They were obedient, responsible, and did everything they were “supposed” to do: Phil as a hardworking employee, and the unknown citizen as a model citizen. Both are praised after death, but in a cold, impersonal way.

However, they are different in tone and purpose. Phil is shown as a real person who suffered because of his overwork and lack of balance. The unknown citizen is more of a symbol, representing how society values conformity over individuality. Phil’s story is more emotional, while Auden’s poem is more ironic and abstract.

Who had a better life?

Neither truly had a fulfilling life, but the unknown citizen may have had a slightly better one because there’s no mention of personal suffering or family disconnection. Phil, on the other hand, clearly lost touch with his loved ones and health. Still, both lives lack joy, freedom, and meaning.

Goodman and Auden both warn us: following society blindly without personal happiness leads to an empty life.