On The Want Of Money Hazlitt Analysis

“On the Want of Money” by nineteenth-century author William Hazlitt is an excerpt that voices his opinion on the world’s never-ending hunger for money. Through the use of diction, detail, and figurative language, the author develops his position on money to inform the reader of the negative influences and consequences of having a lust for money.
Hazlitt’s use of diction firms his stance on money, allowing him to assert his opinion with precise intensity. Hazlitt feels as if “one cannot get on well in the world without money” and to desire it, one must face devastating consequences. His understanding of how people can grow “crabbed, morose, and querulous” by the end of their lives puts an elegiac tone upon the excerpt while also establishing his credibility as an observant of a greedy world. Additionally, Hazlitt utilizes diction as a way to reflect on the “extravagance” and “chagrin” one will have for chasing riches. Moreover, while dictions strengthens and forms his stance on money, detailing the influences and consequences of having materialism will help the reader understand the subject even more.

This life that Hazlitt wishes upon no one is detailed in a dreadful manner as one must “forego leisure, freedom, and ease of body and mind” to obtain wealth. Throughout the whole excerpt, many allusions are written comprehensively to give emphasis on the deplorable effects of this life of “pains, anxiety, and hopes.” As a result, Hazlitt leaves a lasting impact on the reader by detailing the gloomy effects of desiring money. Furthermore, while Hazlitt’s use of detail helps the reader understand the effects of the lust for money by fleshing them out, figurative language will make the reader ponder upon the subject of money, particularly whether it is crucial or