How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
I don't need that sort of money," Wilhelm had said. "But oh! if I could only work out a little steady income from this. Not much. I don't ask much. But how badly I need—! I'd be so grateful if you could show me how to work it." (1.30)
Tamkin's tactics work on Wilhelm perfectly, because they let Wilhelm see himself as occupying a higher moral ground. Wilhelm tells himself that he isn't like those guys who make five or ten thousand a week "just by fooling around": he just wants to make enough to support his sons, and get his wife off his back.
Quote #5
Meanwhile, here were the bills to be paid. When he saw the two sums punched out so neatly on the cards he cursed the company and its IBM equipment. His heart and his head were congested with anger. Everyone was supposed to have money. [. . .] In the old days a man was put in prison for debt, but there were subtler things now. They made it a shame not to have money and set everybody to work. (2.23)
Not only does Wilhelm feel that his father looks down on him for being a financial failure, he also senses that American culture at large wants him to feel ashamed for being broke. This shame, he figures, is one of the great motivators that keeps the whole system running.
Quote #6
How they love money, thought Wilhelm. They adore money! Holy money! Beautiful money! It was getting so that people were feeble-minded about everything except money. While if you didn't have it you were a dummy, a dummy! You had to excuse yourself from the face of the earth. (2.59)
You can say one thing for Wilhelm: he may agonize and complain 24/7, but at least he does it with a sense of humor.