Greed and Exploitation

Greed and Exploitation appears as a literary theme in 5 works in the BetterReads curated set. Each book develops the idea in its own plot, voice, and historical moment — the links below open the book-scoped theme guide beside the text.

The pirates' motivation is driven by greed, as they kidnap Thomas Roch to extract his invention for millions, exploiting his genius and vengeful feelings for their own criminal profit, regardless of the human cost.

The relentless pursuit of ivory drives the narrative, showing how greed dehumanizes both the colonizers and the colonized, reducing people and land to mere resources.

The gang's motive is financial gain through counterfeiting and blackmail, preying on the financial desperation of their victims, illustrating how greed drives exploitation and murder.

Characters like Quilp, Sampson Brass, and the gambling men embody ruthless greed, preying on the weak for financial gain, while the old man's gambling addiction drives the family's ruin.

Sandgoist's predatory purchase of the ticket from Dame Hansen under financial duress, and the escalating public offers for the ticket, illustrate how greed exploits misfortune and superstition.