The character Dunstan’s attitude to money is also shown as he says to his brother:
‘Suppose, now, you get the money yourself, and save me the trouble, eh? Since you was so kind as to hand it over to me, you’ll not refuse me the kindness to pay it back for me.’
This shows Dunstan has no concern for the problems this may cause his brother and is treating money casually and portrays him as quite selfish due to this.
These bad traits from Dunstan are also portrayed further on in the book as it tell us:
‘He had been imagining ways of cajoling and tempting the weaver to part with the immediate possession of his money for the sake of receiving interest.’
This shows he is obsessed with Silas’ money and the verbs ‘cajoling’ and tempting’ suggests a devious and manipulative nature.
A more disturbing example of Dustan’s lack of kindness is shown when he believes Silas Marner may be dead and thinks:
‘If the weaver was dead, who would have the right to his money? Who would know where his money is hidden?”
This also brings up his selfish attitude, as he is more concerned about the money than Silas’ health showing greed.
Shortly after this quotation darkness is described and it tells us Dunstan is finding walking difficult carrying the stolen money as it tells us:
‘The rain and darkness had got thicker, and he was glad of it; though it was awkward walking with both hands filled.’
The darkness referred to in this gives connotations of a moral darkness, and the rain that despite having money life can still be dreary. The money is physically affecting him. These factors suggest money does not bring happiness.
When Silas Marner firsts notices his money is missing the book tells us:
‘He searched in every corner, he turned his bed over, and shook it, and kneaded it.’
This accumulation of verbs reflects panic and shows Silas Marner is terrified of loosing his money, suggesting it is of great value to him.
We are told that Silas screams when he discovers his money has clearly been taken. This signifies his horror at this loss.
Silas is shown as greatly disturbed by the theft as the book tells us:
Later in the book Silas early affection towards Eppie is shown as the book as it tells us:
‘He could only have said that the child was come instead of the gold – that the gold had turned into the child’
This shows Silas’ strong feelings for the gold had now been directed towards Eppie. This also gives connotations of the story of King Midas but instead of animated objects becoming inaminate Eppie for Silas’ is like the gold materialised into a person.
Eppie is also compared to the gold further on in the book as it says:
‘Unlike the gold which needs nothing, and must be worshipped in close-locked solitude – which was hidden away from the daylight, was deaf to the songs of birds, and stated to no human tones – Eppie was a creature of endless claims and ever-growing desires, seeking and loving sunshine, and living sounds, and living movements.’
This contrasts life with Eppie to Shylock’s previous life as Eppie is described as ‘loving’ and ‘living’ whereas his past was work dominated as it tells us he was metaphorically ‘hidden’ and ‘deaf’ to what was happening around him. This shows Eppie has changes Silas Marner and he is discovery he does not need money to be happy.
At the end of the story it tells us:
‘He and Eppie declared they would rather stay at the stone pits than go to any new home.’
This shows that they are so comfortable with eachover and happy with their lives they wouldn’t want things to change. This shows Silas’ life has completely changed from the beginning of the book to when he gained the love of Eppie. This shows he has found that money does not compare to real love.
‘Gift of the Magi is set in Christmas time. This is because of the fact that it is a time of giving and shows what attitude should be expressed and helps with the theme of the biblical story. It’s title uses the word ‘gift’ which corresponds with the moral element of the story. The story is set in a cheap flat showing poorness.
We can see this as their coach is referred to as ‘shabby’ and it says:
‘It did not exactly beggar description, but it certainly had that word on the lookout for the mendicancy squad’
When referring to their flat suggesting that it was not of a great quality and just above that of a tramp or beggars standards.
Also the word grey I repeated throughout the beginning of the story giving connotations of drabness.
Jim in the story relates to Silas Marner as it tells us:
‘The “Dillingham” had been flung to the breeze during a former period of prosperity when its possessor was being paid $30 per week. Now, when the income had shrunk to $20, the letters of “Dillingham” looked blurred.”
This shows Jim’s economic status had declined similarly to when Silas Marner’s money is lost.
Early in the novel Della is portrayed as obsessed with money as it tells us
‘Three times Della counted it.’
Showing obsession with money. Repetition is used for the words ‘one dollar and eighty six cents,’ stressing poverty
The relationship between Della and Jim is brought up early in the novel as Della is shown wanting to buy a valuable gift to please Jim as it says:
‘Many a happy hour had she spent planning something nice for him. Something fine and rare and sterling-something just a little bit near to being worthy of the honour of being owned by Jim.’
This shows that Della is eager to please Jim and reflects love and selfless gratitude towards him.
Later on in the novel we are told of their possessions of value (Jim’s watch and Della’s hair) being able to catch the envy of even the wealthiest of people as it says:
‘Had the queen of Sheba lived in the flat across the airshaft, Della would have let her hair hang out the window someday to dry just to depreciate Her Majesty’s jewels and gifts. Had King Solomon been the janitor, with all his treasures piled up in the basement, Jim would have pulled out his watch every time he passed, just to see him pluck at his beard with envy.’
This emphasises the value of their possessions, as the queen of Sheba and King Solomon are known for their wealth. Also in the story of Queen Sheba and Solomon Queen Sheba is told to have been 'breathless' before Solomon's wisdom. This may suggest that Della’s attitude to Jim is similar and she is completely enthralled by Jim.
Also the description of the room slightly further on in the story tells of a ‘worn red carpet’ in Della and Jim’s home. This gives connotations of wealth, as red carpets are often associated with celebrities. It is told to be worn making it seem undesirable this ….?
Baby I love u, u r my life, my happiest moments were in complete if u weren’t by my side. U r my relation and connection to the sun, when u r next to me theres no doubt or sadness I cant over come.
