Wealth In Ethel Wilson's The Window

True wealth is not measured by the amount of money a person has, it is measured by a person’s ability to be happy with the things afforded to them in life. This quote is prominent in the story The Window, written by Ethel Wilson, as money is perceived to create happiness. The main character, Mr. Willy, is a young man who becomes fatigued of his repetitive lifestyle and goes to live blissfully by himself. Eventually he becomes overwhelmed by a feeling of deep sadness because he lacks any form of human connection. By the end of the story, Mr. Willy comes to the realization that he spent much of his younger years making money and seeking to fulfil the wealthy stereotype, finally understanding that there are more vital sources of happiness.

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Money is of great importance, however society has been influenced to believe it is the most important element of attaining happiness. Although money may allow for some experiences to take place, it is not necessary. Life experiences are significant in order to reach happiness. Mr. Willy skips out on typical adventures needed to accomplish fulfilment. Another thing he misses out on is true love. Yes, he gets married at a young age, but he does not necessarily love his wife. In fact, she is the main reason he moves away by himself because she proves to be just like everybody else. She is too busy being immersed in playing bridge and partying etc., which he is not interested in. Love is crucial to happiness because you are able to share everything special in your life with the person you care about the most. Mr. Willy either he never loved her to begin with or eventually falls out of love with her, “He would come home my dear and never speak a word, I can’t tell you how frightful night after night, I might even say for years.” (pg 194) Mr. Willy also neglects to care for his health; maybe not physically but certainly mentally. His lack of happiness drives him to an unstable mental state. After separating himself from the majority of society, he becomes lonely and depression slowly creeps in on him. He indicates that, “He has entered an area of depression unknown before, like a tundra, and he was a little frightened of this tundra.” (pg 199) Once loneliness takes over him, the window reflects his true self by showing him how alone and dark his life has become. This reflects how people often look for the wrong things in