“All My Life For Sale” by John Freyer
Method Prompt:

Often, objects can represent someone’s personality and identity. In Freyer’s case, the items he placed on eBay for sale stand for who he is. They are not simply items he has acquired during his lifetime – they lead him to much more. Through his possessions placed on eBay, he has done things such as travel the world, see new places, and meet people, that he would not have had it not been for his sales on eBay. Yet not only have they led him to new experiences, but the items represent Freyer’s character and personality.

First, one item he places on sale is his D&D Auto Body Nylon Winter Jacket. In his description, he explains that he bought the jacket at a Salvation Army. From this, the reader already knows a little bit about Freyer. He does not have a snobbish or conceited attitude, as he is shopping in a place where a large majority of the items have already been used. He is clearly not concerned with materialistic things. Later on in the description, he says that he once wore the jacket in an ice storm in Saratoga Springs, New York. This leads to the reader to think that Freyer has lived through some interesting experiences. It makes the reader feel as if he or she sat down for lunch with Freyer, he would have many fascinating and exciting stories to share. The item lets on that his personality is much more captivating than the average person. Finally, the description mentions that in the ice storm, the nylon of his jacket became so slippery he could slide down an entire street on his stomach. This proves that he has a fun personality. A stiff, uptight person would not be willing to slide down a street on his stomach. Overall, the jacket proves that Freyer is not arrogant, but fun and exciting.

Second, Freyer places his Hamilton College Thesis on sale. The account of this specific item includes a connection he made from his thesis to his real life. In the paper, he discusses how information technology is used to gather personal information in order to control people. He then makes a connection to that in real life by questioning if he no longer owns the things that define the type of consumer he is, will he continue to consume the same things? The question he raises leads the reader to believe that maybe his life-selling project really had more of a purpose than one would imagine. It also leads the reader to believe that he is an insightful person with plenty of ideas in his head. His possession for sale and its description lead the reader to view him as a thoughtful person.

Third, another item for sale is his fly-fishing patch. In his description, he explains how he used to go fishing with his father and brothers. He talks about how, as a kid, he found fishing dull and pointless. He also mentions how his father used to have his own special bait to use. This item shows that Freyer holds onto his memories. The item can also reveal that Freyer had a good relationship with his family. If he did not get along well with his father, he most likely would not hold onto an item that brings back so many memories of fishing with him. The item shows that he has a strong family bond, and that he is not quick to let go of his past.

Finally, Freyer places his Iranian Bowling Shirt up for sale. The shirt is from a thrift store, which illustrates the same thing about his personality as the Nylon Winter Jacket did. It shows he is not conceited and concerned with materialistic items; he would rather just get things cheaper at a thrift store, even if they are secondary items. In the description, he also writes about the dance he created while wearing this shirt, “The Butt Dance.” Through his dance he invented while wearing the possession, the reader can tell that he has a silly sense of humor. He does not take himself too seriously, but has fun. The item for sale shows that Freyer is not an uptight person. The shirt, like all of his other possessions for sale, is not simply an item. Rather, they represent who he is and how he lives his life.