Recent studies have shown that those in poverty are significantly happier than those who are extremely rich. Material wealth, although highly valued in society, has little value in determining our happiness. Similarly, Finney and Achebe depict characters that struggle to come to this realization. They believe that material wealth is the key to life until the greed and selfishness associated with it nearly kills them. They fail to grasp their free will because of the power that material wealth appears to hold. Tom and Jonathan are prideful, but because of the fear and refusal of freedom, they are unable to reach love and happiness. In the beginning, Tom and Jonathan are proud of material wealth, verifying the belief that wealth is accumulated
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Tom states that “[independent projects] were the beginning of the long, long climb to where he was determined to be, at the very top” (Finney 3). Tom longs to be at the top of his job pyramid, further displaying Tom’s greed and unnecessary want for material wealth. It is for himself, decided by himself. Similarly, Jonathan shows pride in his current position as he describes the lives of those who “could scrounge together in Bournvita tins” (Achebe 1). By judging those who weren’t as wealthy as him, Jonathan displays pride, which stems from a choice made by free will. Tom and Jonathan realize the gravity of their life choices when faced with death. Tom claimed his life “a wasted life” (Finney 8). Realization of his selfishness and denial of free will hit him hard in the face of death. He sees that his motivations had led him away from happiness. Jonathan, in a similar way, faces the temporary value of money whn he “[fumbles] in the darkness with the key of the small wooden boy he kept by his side on the mat” (Achebe 4). Powerless against the threat of death, Jonathan must give up his money to survive. By doing so, money becomes less important, and he sees importance in valuing family. Through near-death experiences, Tom and Jonathan realize the severity of their
Tom states that “[independent projects] were the beginning of the long, long climb to where he was determined to be, at the very top” (Finney 3). Tom longs to be at the top of his job pyramid, further displaying Tom’s greed and unnecessary want for material wealth. It is for himself, decided by himself. Similarly, Jonathan shows pride in his current position as he describes the lives of those who “could scrounge together in Bournvita tins” (Achebe 1). By judging those who weren’t as wealthy as him, Jonathan displays pride, which stems from a choice made by free will. Tom and Jonathan realize the gravity of their life choices when faced with death. Tom claimed his life “a wasted life” (Finney 8). Realization of his selfishness and denial of free will hit him hard in the face of death. He sees that his motivations had led him away from happiness. Jonathan, in a similar way, faces the temporary value of money whn he “[fumbles] in the darkness with the key of the small wooden boy he kept by his side on the mat” (Achebe 4). Powerless against the threat of death, Jonathan must give up his money to survive. By doing so, money becomes less important, and he sees importance in valuing family. Through near-death experiences, Tom and Jonathan realize the severity of their