# Consequences of Greed and Discontent in On a Pincushion

> Theme guide for On a Pincushion by Mary De Morgan.

The villagers' greed for cheap shoes from the old peddlar brings famine, fever, and the disappearance of children, illustrating how discontent and disloyalty lead to communal ruin.

## Where it surfaces

- [The Story of the Opal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_pincushion_se/chapters/the-story-of-the-opal): The Sunbeam's discontent with his solitary existence leads to his tragic end.
- [Siegfrid and Handa](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_pincushion_se/chapters/siegfrid-and-handa): The villagers' greed for cheap shoes leads to the ruin of Ralph, the spread of fever, and the disappearance of children.
- [The Hair Tree](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_pincushion_se/chapters/the-hair-tree): The Queen's unwillingness to share even a little of her hair brings about the curse and her downfall.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_pincushion_se/themes/consequences_of_greed_and_discontent
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_a_pincushion_se/themes