“The point I’m trying to make, in case you’ve missed it, is that I am a free man.”
Much conversation has led to this assertion, but the most important of it is that Spooner is admitting that his life has not enjoyed the success of that obviously enjoyed by his host. Both are writers, but while Hirst, the person to whom he is speaking, lives in the kind of lodgings that speak of commercial success loud and clear, Spooner’s appearance show no such claims to commercial success in his career as a poet. Rather than being cowed by this divergence, however, Spooner takes his lower circumstances and turns them into a badge of honor. He admits that he is common, and he is usually overlooked by others. In fact, he suggests that for any other person to even express an interest in him would be a cause for alarm. The power of being invisible to others is freedom. While it may come as certain costs, ultimately the significance of freedom will become an essential point being made by the narrative.
“Listen, my friend. This man in this chair, he’s a creative man. He’s an artist. We make life possible for him. We’re in a position of trust. Don’t try to drive a wedge into a happy household. You understand me? Don’t try to make a nonsense out of family life.”
Foster is directing himself to Spooner and the subject of his assertion is Hirst. The heavy drinking has finally taken its toll upon Hirst who collapses to the floor and then crawls out of the room at which point two new characters enter to confront Spooner. Foster and Briggs are mysterious but menacing, seemingly servants to Hirst, but carrying enough authority to threaten the interloper. Briggs has recognized Spooner as a lowly busboy in a pub, but he is insistent upon the respect that should be awarded a poet. A question of class differences has arisen Foster and Briggs haven interrogative with more than just a mere hint of carrying the potential to conduct physical harm. And yet, Spooner cannot help but view them as mere underlings in the service of his wealthy and established host. With this quote, Foster also introduces another element into the ambiguous question of what precisely constitutes the relationship between the three men living inside this Hirst’s home.
"So that nothing else will happen forever. You’ll simply be sitting here forever."
Spooner has given a long monologue directed the owner of the house, Hirst, explaining how he could be of such valuable assistance to him. As an organizer of poetry readings, he could help expose the old man’s work to a young generation. He explains how the writer has become less famous because he does put his face out among public anymore like he used to. If he will accept him into his home, Spooner implies, he can rid himself of the menacing presence of Foster and Briggs. Hirst reactions by simply saying it is time to change the subject and Foster does not allow this decision to be reversed. The subject at hand is the idea of replacing Foster and Briggs and both men make it clear once and for all that this is a not a decision Hirst has the authority to make anymore. The subject is closed forever and from this moment forward, Foster is announcing here, nothing will ever change including the topic of discussion. The true nation of the relationship among the three men occupying the home is made crystal clear: Hirst is a captive held prisoner in the home he owns. In giving authority to two men who came into the situation either solely as workers or as objects of attaining sexual gratification or both, he has slowly surrendered autotomy over himself completely to those he depends upon for the most menial of everyday existence. And neither Spooner nor anyone else is ever going to change that. The point Foster and Briggs are making is that Hirst is not a free man and never will be again.
