Right from the start, we see that this is a book about a family struggling to make ends meet. Polly Ann is ashamed of her family's history and she works hard so that her children won't have to peddle to rich people as she did as a girl. Observing his mother's hard work, Tom is motivated to overcome their poverty and build a secure future for his family.
However, poverty doesn't just mean not having a lot of cash. It's a complex issue in this novel, acting as both a source of worry, embarrassment, and indignity for Tom's family, but also helping Tom develop his work ethic and resourcefulness. Birdy is also very resourceful: he does not depend only on financial means to survive, and he seems at peace with a life free of monetary constraints. So while poverty is a source of hardship and suffering in the novel, it can provide a valuable outlook on life, which may be lost on those who never experience it.
Questions About Poverty
- What advantages or strengths do rich characters in the novel have that poor characters do not? On the other hand, what advantages or strengths do poor characters have that richer characters don't?
- Does economic status impact the way characters interact with one another?
- Does money buy Tom happiness?
Chew on This
Poverty can be as harmful to a person's sense of identity and worth as racism or sexism.
According to Tom's story, financial stability is the most important factor for a good life.