The Cost of Living/Theories

Theories about
The Cost of Living

Theories may be removed if ...
Stated as questions or possibilities (avoid question marks, "Maybe", "I think", etc). More appropriate for another article. Illogical or previously disproven. Proven by canon source, and moved to main article. Speculative and lacking any evidence to support arguments. Responding to another theory (use discussion page instead). This does not include responses that can stand alone as its own theory. Usage of an indented bullet does not imply the statement is a response. See the Lostpedia theory policy for more details.

Theories may be removed if ...

Stated as questions or possibilities (avoid question marks, "Maybe", "I think", etc).
More appropriate for another article.
Illogical or previously disproven.
Proven by canon source, and moved to main article.
Speculative and lacking any evidence to support arguments.
Responding to another theory (use discussion page instead).

See the Lostpedia theory policy for more details.

The Monster

After a discussion with Yemi, Mr. Eko is attacked and killed by the Monster.

The Monster seems to have a connection to the physical remains of some of the personae it assumes - Christian Shepard's body and Yemi's body were both on the Island.
The Monster acts based on actions of the character which it is stalking. A similar security system in Steven King's Dark Tower series kills intruders by reaching into their worst fear and attacking them with this info.When characters such as Jack, who sees his father, make peace with that person, the hallucination of them vanishes and the Monster does not attack; however, if the character does not make peace (such as Eko in this episode), the Monster attacks.
Instead of submitting to the power and authority of the Smoke Monster, Mr. Eko appealed to the mercy of his brother Yemi. Asking for Yemi's forgiveness was equivalent to seeking mercy from the objective God that Yemi (as a priest) represents - the God of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The Smoke Monster may have perceived this as a snub - "You speak to me as though I were your brother!" (angrily) - in the same way that mythological Gods take umbrage at any lack of respect from mortals. The Smoke Monster may have punished Mr. Eko for 'respecting' it fourth behind (first) his little brother, (second) himself, and (third) their God.
A dead tree appears in the middle of a whole bunch of lively, green ones while Eko is looking for Yemi towards the end of the episode. The tree is the Monster.

For theories on the Monster not related to this episode, please see the Monster/Theories.

Juliet secretly threatens Ben in a video shown to Jack.

If Jack kills Ben, Juliet will become the leader of the Others. Assuming Ben is the leader, Juliet probably got a taste of being in charge when the survivors caught Ben. Now Juliet wants the power back.
When Juliet plays the video for Jack she is obviously risking her life for Jack, proving she is a "good" other.
Juliet may be risking her life, but it is for her own agenda, not for Jack. Juliet may be calmer than some of the other Others, but she may not be any better than the rest of them. For example, the messages in Juliet's video (even if they are genuine) show that she is at least as scheming and devious as Ben.
It's possible that playing the video for Jack is just part of a long con against Jack. It seems unlikely Juliet would be able to record such a video without Ben finding out.
Juliet's request to Jack could be a mind game to see what he would do.

For theories on Juliet not related to this episode, please see Juliet/Theories.

Jack is asked by Juliet to assist in Ben's death.

If Jack follows Juliet's request this would make him one of the "bad ones" and therefore render him subject to the judgment, and potential death, by the hand of the Island - if, indeed, the Island, monster, etc. is judging based on past deeds.
Following Juliet's request means Jack would have to break a personal oath, which he probably wouldn't be willing to do. His problem of "letting go" and his will to do all he can to save someone's life would interfere.
Jack has to consider the consequences of his decision. What might happen to himself and others if he saves Ben's life? What might happen if he lets Ben die? He may have to consider the lesser of two evils.

For theories on Jack not related to this episode, please see Jack Shephard/Theories.

Amina tells Eko that he owes his brother Yemi a church, explaining why Eko was building the church on the Island.
When Eko says "you're next", he could have been referring to only Locke, or only the trio present in the Swan at the time of the discharge.
- Which would explain Desmond seeing Charlie's death over and over again.
The area where Eko speaks with Yemi is possibly a graveyard. The flowers are evenly spaced on mounds marking each grave.
When Eko whispers into Locke's ear, it looks as though he is saying that he "saw the devil".

The reason the others burnt Colleen's body was to prevent the smoke monster from manipulating her.
Something happens if you let a body rest on the island.
A Viking funeral is quite dramatic, so it may have been done only for effect.
The most logical reason for the burning of the body on a pyre is because of the Hindu connection to Dharma, evidenced by their wearing of white clothing during the funeral. The ritual shown is similar to Hindu practices.

Theories for Season 3 Episodes

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