Key Words
The Individual: Represents anyone who is affected by society’s obsession with money. The individual internalizes the madness.
Mankind (Collective Society): Refers to the larger community or society that measures worth based on monetary value.
Major Themes:
1. Materialism: The poem critiques society’s obsession with wealth and possessions, suggesting that this obsession leads to dehumanization.
2. Fear and Anxiety: The fear associated with money and the anxiety it creates within individuals and communities is a recurring theme.
3. Class Division: The poem explores how financial status defines worth and creates a divide between the wealthy and the poor.
4. Humanity vs. Capitalism: It contrasts the values of humanity and compassion with the harsh realities of capitalist society.
5. Basic Needs: The need for fundamental resources like food, shelter, and warmth, which the author argues should not be dependent on money.
Key Concepts:
Money Madness: A term used to describe the societal obsession with money that leads to irrational behaviour and fear.
Collective Insanity: The idea that when society is collectively irrational about money, it breeds individual insanity.
Sanity and Insanity: The poet emphasizes the need to regain sanity regarding values, prioritizing human needs over material wealth.
Imagery and Metaphors:
“Eating Dirt”: This metaphor symbolizes poverty, desperation, and the dehumanizing effects of being without money. It conveys the humiliation that comes from financial hardships.
“Fearful Cruel Power”: This phrase encapsulates the control money has over individuals and society, suggesting that money demands respect and instills fear.
“Quail”: The use of this word conveys a sense of fear and insecurity, showing how people react when faced with the power of money.
“Grain of Insanity”: This metaphor highlights that every individual carries a small part of the collective madness, suggesting that financial obsession is universal.
“Delirium of Fear”: This imagery paints a picture of overwhelming anxiety stemming from financial insecurity and societal pressure.
“All over the world”: This phrase emphasizes the global nature of the issues related to money madness, suggesting that the problems are widespread and affect everyone.
II. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences each. (2 Marks Questions)
1. What does D. H. Lawrence say money is?
Answer: He describes money as our madness and a collective insanity that people carry.
2. How does the author feel when he hands out money?
Answer: He doubts if anyone can hand out a pound note without feeling a pang or tremor.
3. What does the phrase “eat dirt” symbolize?
Answer: It symbolizes a life of poverty and desperation.
4. What natural resources does the poet believe should be free?
Answer: Bread, shelter, and fire should all be free for everyone.
5. What does the poet fear about “money madness”?
Answer: He fears that the madness surrounding money can lead to violence among people.
6. What reaction do people have towards money according to the poet?
Answer: People quail and grovel before money in terror.
7. What does the poet say will happen if we don’t regain our sanity about money? Answer: He warns that we might start killing one another over it.
8. How does the poet describe mankind’s view of those without money?
Answer: He states that mankind measures worth by money and looks down on those who have none.
9. Why does D. H. Lawrence think money has a “fearful cruel power”?
Answer: He believes it has control over people’s lives, instilling fear and making them grovel for it.
10. What does the author mean by “collective money madness”?
Answer: This refers to society’s shared obsession with money and material wealth, affecting everyone’s mindset.
11. Why does the poet emphasize the need to be free of “money madness”?
Answer: He suggests that freeing ourselves from materialism can lead to better relationships and less violence.
12. What emotional effects does Lawrence associate with money?
Answer: He associates it with fear, trembling, and the anxiety of being judged by how much one possesses.
13. How does the poet feel about the connection between money and survival?
Answer: He feels that society’s dependence on money for basic needs is wrong and harmful.
14. Why does the poet repeatedly mention “eating dirt”?
Answer: It illustrates the desperation and humiliation one faces when lacking money and resources.
15. What message does Lawrence want to convey about values versus money?
Answer: He emphasizes that human compassion and basic needs should be valued more than wealth.
16. How does the poem suggest we can prevent violence related to money?
Answer: By regaining our sanity and changing our perceptions about money and worth. 17. If bread, shelter, and fire were free, how would society change?
Answer: People would be less anxious about basic needs and could focus more on helping each other rather than competing for money.
III. Answer the following questions in about 60 words each.
(3 Marks Questions)
1. What does D. H. Lawrence say money represents?
Answer: D. H. Lawrence describes money as “our madness” and talks about how it creates a collective insanity in society. He believes that money causes people to lose their rational thinking, leading to fear and anxiety about their worth based on how much money they have.
2. How do the people feel when giving away money?
Answer: The people feel a pang of regret or discomfort whenever they give away money. He believes that even when people hand out a pound note, they experience a feeling of fear, especially when they part with larger amounts, such as ten pounds, showing how money affects our emotions.
3. What fear does the poet express about society’s view of those without money? Answer: The poet fears that people without money will be dehumanized by society. He believes that they will be treated poorly, forced to “eat dirt” and feel worthless because they have no money. This fear reflects how society often judges people based on wealth instead of their true value.
4. What does “eating dirt” symbolize in the poem?
Answer: In the poem, “eating dirt” symbolizes the humiliation and suffering faced by poor individuals who struggle to meet their basic needs. It represents how people without money are often treated badly, forcing them to endure shame and hardship just to survive. It highlights the cruel reality of poverty.
5. What essential resources does Lawrence believe should be free?
Answer: Lawrence believes that basic necessities like bread, shelter, and fire should be free for everyone. He argues that no one should have to buy these essential resources, as they are fundamental to human life. He feels that access to such necessities should be a right, not a privilege based on wealth.
6. What causes individuals in society to fear money, according to the poet?
Answer: According to the poet, individuals fear money because of the collective madness around it. Society creates pressure to have money and equates a person’s worth with their wealth. This creates anxiety and fear among people, leading them to feel that they must conform to money related expectations.
7. What does the poet warn could happen without a change in attitudes about money?
Answer: The poet warns that without a change in how we view money, society could face conflict and violence. If people continue to obsess over wealth and judge others based on money, it may lead to deep divisions and serious problems in human relationships, resulting in terrible consequences.
8. What is “collective money madness”?
Answer: “Collective money madness” refers to the shared obsession with money that affects everyone in society. It means that as a group, people become irrational and fearful regarding wealth, leading to harmful behaviours like judging others based on financial status and neglecting important human values like kindness and support.
9. How does Lawrence describe the relationship between money and personal worth?
Answer: Lawrence criticizes the idea that a person’s worth is determined by their
wealth. He believes this mindset leads to shame and suffering for those without money. By equating value with financial worth, society overlooks people’s true qualities, like kindness and character, creating a harmful environment that devalues human life.
10. Why does the poet emphasize the fear associated with money?
Answer: The poet emphasizes fear related to money to show that it controls people’s emotions and actions. Money brings anxiety, making individuals worry about their status and financial security. He highlights this fear to express how damaging the obsession with wealth can be, affecting self-worth and human relationships negatively.
11. What message does the poet convey about the nature of basic human needs?
Answer: The poet conveys that basic human needs, like food, shelter, and warmth, should not depend on someone’s wealth. He emphasizes that these resources should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial status. This message calls for a shift in how society prioritizes these essential needs, highlighting fairness and humanity.
12. Why does the poet think society’s view of money leads to madness?
Answer: The poet believes that society’s view of wealth leads to madness because it creates irrational fears and behaviours. People obsess over money, which causes them to neglect important values like kindness and connection. This obsession can result in harmful actions, creating a society driven by greed and fear rather than compassion.
13. How does the phrase “fearful cruel power” relate to money’s impact on individuals?
Answer: The phrase “fearful cruel power” describes how money can strongly control and negatively influence people’s lives. It indicates that money often rules decisions and emotions, creating fear of losing wealth and leading to anxiety about financial status. This power can dehumanize individuals, affecting their wellbeing and worth.
14. How can you advocate for the idea that basic needs should be free?
Answer: I can advocate for the idea that basic needs should be free by volunteering at local shelters and food banks. Additionally, I can raise awareness in my school and community about poverty and the importance of accessible resources. By sharing information and organizing events, I can help support those in need.
(FROM QUESTION BANK)
I. Answer in a word, phrase, or sentence:
1. What does the individual carry around with him in “Money Madness”?
Answer: A grain of insanity.
2. How does a man often feel when he hands out a one pound note?
Answer: He feels a pang of regret.
3. What does a person experience if he hands out a ten pound note?
Answer: A real tremor or strong discomfort.
4. We grovel beforein strange terror.
Answer: Money.
5. Webefore money in strange terror.
Answer: Quail.
6. What makes us quail in “Money Madness”?
Answer: The power of money.
7. What are we truly terrified of?
Answer: The collective money madness of mankind.
8. Who asks, “How much is he worth?” in the poem?
Answer: Society or mankind.
9. What happens to an individual if he has no money?
Answer: He is made to feel worthless.
10. If he has no money, what would society give him to survive?
Answer: A little bread.
11. What is the poet frightened of being forced to do without money?
Answer: To eat dirt.
12. The fear of having no money can become a.
Answer: Delirium.
13. In “Money Madness,” what can become a delirium?
Answer: The fear of money in fellow men.
14. The poet states we must have some money to.
a. eat dirt b. avoid eating dirt c. none of the above
Answer: b. avoid eating dirt.
15. What should be free for everyone, according to the poem?
Answer: Bread, shelter, and fire.
16. What occurs if we do not regain our sanity about money?
Answer: We may start killing one another.
17. What does the poet mean by ‘It’s one thing or the other”?
a. regaining sanity b. killing one another
c. regaining sanity or killing one another
Answer: c. regaining sanity or killing one another.
18. The fear described in “Money Madness” refers to:
a. Money’s cruel power b. Collective money madness
c. Eating dirt without money d. All of the above
Answer: d. All of the above.
19. What does the poet believe we must regain regarding money?
Answer: Our sanity about money.
IV. Answer the following questions in about 100 words each (4 Marks)
1. Why does the poet describe money madness as a ‘vast collective madness’?
Answer: The poet describes money madness as a ‘vast collective madness’ because it affects everyone in society, making them obsessed with money and its value. This obsession leads people to judge each other based not on character but on how much money they have. In a money mad world, those without money are treated poorly and often ignored, leading to feelings of worthlessness. The poet believes this madness causes individuals to lose their sanity and wellbeing, focusing too much on wealth instead of happiness. He suggests that we need to rethink our values and prioritize kindness over money to overcome this problem.
2. How does an individual measure the value of another in monetary terms?
Answer: An individual often measures the value of another in monetary terms by asking questions like “How much is he worth?” This means they look at a person’s financial status or their wealth instead of considering their true worth as a human being. This way of thinking can make people feel like they are only valuable if they have money. In a society focused on money, friendships and support can become shallow. People may ignore or treat those without money harshly, forgetting that everyone has qualities that are valuable beyond their bank accounts. We should remember that everyone deserves respect, regardless of their wealth.
3. How do people treat someone without money?
Answer: People treat someone without money very differently than those who are wealthy. Often, if a person does not have money, others may look down on them or avoid them. This behaviour can make someone feel lonely, unvalued, and often desperate. People may assume these individuals are not worth their time or do not deserve help, which is unfair. The poet points out this tendency as a problem because it shows how much society values money over kindness. Everyone deserves respect and compassion, regardless of their financial situation, and we must learn to treat everyone equally, no matter what they have.
4. How does money madness impact an individual?
Answer: Money madness can deeply impact an individual in many ways. When someone is overly focused on money, they may feel constant fear, anxiety, or stress about their financial situation. This can lead to feelings of worthlessness if they don’t have enough money. People can become selfish, losing sight of what truly matters in life, like love and friendship. This madness can also lead individuals to make poor decisions just to gain wealth, often at the cost of their happiness and relationships. It’s essential to remember that money is not the only thing that defines our value as people.
5. How can the fear of being without money lead to delirium?
Answer: The fear of being without money can lead to delirium because it creates overwhelming anxiety and panic. When individuals worry constantly about their finances, they may feel confused and out of control. This fear can make people act irrationally, leading to poor choices. They might focus too much on earning money and forget to enjoy life or connect with others. The poet warns that if society continues to let money dictate happiness, people could spiral into chaos, losing their sanity. It’s essential to find a balance and not let the fear of money consume our thoughts and actions.
6. What does the poet describe as ‘that is all wrong’ in money mad society?
Answer: The poet describes that ‘that is all wrong’ in a money mad society refers to how people prioritize money over human connections and true values. In a society obsessed with wealth, people often forget about compassion and kindness, judging one another based solely on financial status. This leads to a world where relationships are not based on love and respect but instead on the amounts of money each person has. The poet encourages everyone to change this mindset and focus on what truly matters in life, suggesting that kindness and humanity should be valued far more than any amount of money.
7. What solution does the poet propose to address the insanity of a money mad society? Answer: The poet proposes that the solution to address the insanity of a money mad society is to change our values and focus on what really matters. Instead of letting money control our lives, we should prioritize kindness, friendship, and human connection. By doing this, we can foster a world where people are not judged by their financial status but by their character and the love they share. The poet hopes that when we look past money, we can bring happiness and sanity back into our lives, creating a healthier, more supportive society where everyone is valued equally.
8. What does the poet mean when he says “money has got us down”?
Answer: When the poet says “money has got us down,” he means that the obsession with money makes people feel trapped or burdened. Instead of enjoying life, individuals often feel stress and pressure from trying to earn and save money. This heavy focus on wealth can lead to unhappiness, as people forget to enjoy the simple things in life. The poet suggests that this money related pressure affects our mental health and happiness. By recognizing that money should not define us, we can lift this burden and find more
joy in our lives and relationships with others.
9. How does the fear of money impact both individuals and society?
Answer: The fear of money impacts both individuals and society by creating a constant cycle of anxiety. For individuals, fearing not having enough money can lead to stress, poor decisions, and an unhealthy obsession with wealth. This fear can cause people to view others with suspicion and judgment, damaging relationships. In society, this leads to inequality, as those with money are treated better than those without. It creates a gap between different groups of people and causes many to feel unworthy or hopeless. Recognizing this fear and addressing its effects is crucial for building a more compassionate and understanding community.
10. In what ways does money induce fear in an individual?
Answer: Money induces fear in an individual in various ways. First, the worry about not having enough money can lead to anxiety about basic needs, like food and shelter. Second, pressure to earn more money can cause stress and make people feel inadequate compared to others. Third, individuals can also fear losing their social status and relationships if they do not have the same amount of money as their peers. This fear can overwhelm people’s thoughts and actions, influencing their decisions negatively. It’s important to find ways to manage this fear and remember that happiness does not only come from wealth.
11. What fears and difficulties does an individual face without money?
Answer: An individual without money faces many fears and difficulties. First, they may struggle to secure basic needs like food, shelter, and clothing, leading to uncertainty about their future. Second, they often experience social isolation or disrespect from those who have money, making them feel worthless or invisible. Third, the fear of not being accepted by society can cause emotional pain and feelings of loneliness. Facing these harsh realities can be incredibly challenging and can affect a person’s self esteem. It’s essential to support and show compassion for those going through such difficulties to help them feel valued and understood.
12. Why does the poet believe man has lost his sanity regarding money?
Answer: The poet believes man has lost his sanity regarding money because society’s obsession with wealth has shifted our values. Instead of valuing friendships, kindness, and shared happiness, people often prioritize material possessions over genuine connections. This unhealthy focus can lead to fear, anxiety, and even selfish behaviour, affecting how we treat others. The poet sees this as a sign that people are not thinking clearly. By recognizing the problems this obsession creates, we can begin to change our attitudes and find a way to value kindness and humanity more than wealth, thus regaining our sanity.
13. What methods does man use to counteract the fear of a money mad society, as suggested in “Money Madness”?
Answer: In “Money Madness,” the poet suggests that man uses several methods to counteract the fear of a money mad society. One way is by forming connections with others, which can bring comfort and support in challenging times. Another method is to focus on personal values, such as kindness and compassion, rather than solely on wealth. Additionally, individuals can work together to create communities that prioritize helping others rather than judging them based on financial status. By changing how we view money and focusing on what truly matters, we can combat the fear that money creates and foster a more caring society.