# Wealth and Its Discontents in Something New

> Theme guide for Something New by P. G. Wodehouse.

The pursuit and possession of money drive the plot, with characters like Mr. Peters suffering from dyspepsia and family strife despite his wealth, and Freddie trapped by financial dependence on his father.

## Where it surfaces

- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/something_new_se/chapters/i): Both characters express discontent with their low-paying, uninspiring work, hinting at broader economic struggles.
- [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/something_new_se/chapters/ii): Freddie's lack of money despite his noble birth, and R. Jones's opportunistic moneylending, underscore the anxieties surrounding wealth and financial stability.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/something_new_se/chapters/iii): Mr. Peters' rage over the missing scarab and his obsession with collecting illustrate the anxieties of wealth.
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/something_new_se/chapters/iv): Mr. Peters offers a large sum of money to recover his property, highlighting the power and discontent associated with wealth.
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/something_new_se/chapters/vi): Mr. Peters' insomnia and weak digestion reflect the physical toll of his wealth, and the scarab's value drives the central conflict.
- [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/something_new_se/chapters/xi): Freddie's financial desperation leads him to theft, and the blackmail plot exploits his wealth.
- [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/something_new_se/chapters/xii): Freddie's joy at the renewal of his allowance highlights the importance of wealth and the discontent that arises from its lack.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/something_new_se/themes/wealth_and_its_discontents
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/something_new_se/themes