Marianne replaces the yogurt pot in the freezer now and asks Joanna if she finds it strange, to be paid for her hours at work - to exchange, in other words, blocks of her extremely limited time on this earth for the human invention known as money.
In the story, Marianne reflects on the nature of work and the exchange of time for money. She replaces a yogurt pot in the freezer and engages Joanna in a conversation about the peculiarity of being compensated for one's labor. This implies a deeper contemplation on how individuals trade their finite existence for the abstract concept of currency, highlighting the often absurd relationship society has with work and money.
This discussion underscores a significant theme in "Normal People," revealing how characters grapple with the meaning of their lives and choices within a system that commodifies their time. Marianne's thoughts prompt readers to consider the value of life contrasted with the pressures of financial survival, inviting a critical examination of how modern society perceives worth and existence.
