The Influence of Wealth in Great Expectations, Little Dorrit, and The Way We Live Now.

Abstract

The influence of wealth on characters remains one of the most frequently explored themes in the novels Great Expectations, The Way We Live Now, and Little Dorrit. The exploration of these three literary works presents an interplay between financial wealth (money) and character development. The analysis in this project delves into the social, psychological, and moral consequences of money, shedding light on different exploitative themes such as materialism and ambitions that are influenced by money and the pursuit of happiness. Through interaction with money, the analysis in this project aims to explore the influence of money on the characters of the three novels while drawing supporting content from contemporary literature. The analysis will lead to an unveiling of the transformative power of money on individuals within the context of these literary works. Furthermore, through in-depth analysis and thoughtful examination, the discussion will present a nuanced portrayal of the characters’ experiences, which will enrich the readers' general understanding of the influence of money on society as a whole. This will be achieved by understanding the complexities of human behaviour, the pursuit of happiness, self-validation, and social validation, as discussed in the literature, alongside the potential moral dilemmas brought about by the pursuit of money.