Ed Notes

- structure of neighborhood - houses are nearly identical with the exception of their pastel colors - pink->green->yellow->blue->pink->green->etc.; colors of cars are complementary to colors of houses; green grass - neatly trimmed plants
- morning work scene - men go to work at the same time - synchronized routines - cars leave driveways in uniform manner - men begin assuming their roles as providers
- Peg - devotion to her Avon job/appearance - tries to "beautify" Edward - smothers pastel purple on his face (attempt to make Ed conform) - rehearsed movements as she demonstrates the correct way of applying on foundation
- Bill - trims plants as he listens to baseball game with his son - reveals the extent of men's role in the home which is to provide occasional house maintenance
- Peg in bedroom - listens to the messages left by her girlfriends on the answer machine - alludes to the gossipy nature of housewives - also shows their role as the "protectors" of the neighborhood - constant need to keep a record of any changes and/or intrusion in the neighborhood
- Dinner scene - men's economic dominance - Bill and Jim discuss finances - Jim brags about family's new purchases: TV, VCR, CD players - Peg - "I wonder what it's like to be that rich." - Bill criticizes Edward for not charging for his haircuts - talks about the importance of financial stability - "A man cannot live off of cookies."