Could money really be the root to all evil, that seems to be the case in "Du Tenth Sinks the Jewel Box in Anger." Money is a necessary part of survival and we as individuals depend on money for the necessary things in life. Money can make or break a home, family and life in general. This story is a reputation of how money is differently valued between Du Tenth and Li Jia. Money to Du Tenth is less important and doesn’t appear to be as valuable to her, whereas Li Jia thoughts are created around money. This is proven to be true when Tenth said, “I have been at Mama’s house for eight years, and the gold and treasures I have brought in are nothing short of a thousand talents” (Menglong 506). Tenth thoughts aren’t measured by the amount of money she has or by Li Jia’s unfortunate financial status, but she is actually in love with him and she is willing to give him money out of the care and admiration she feels for him.
Li Jia lacked companionship and was more interested in the financial gain that his wife had to offer. Li Jia was embarrassed by Tenth’s social status as a prostitute, and uncaring about her feelings and desires towards him. Tenth felt betrayed and unworthy to the man that she loved most that she was willing to take her life. Love has a price that caused Tenth’s life forever. Their marriage had failed the saying, “for better or for worse until death do us part” and it wasn’t until after the betral that Li Jia had realized how much his wife meant to him. In the story, after Du Tenths death, Li Jia “had sighed with pity for several days” (Menglong 516), which shows emotions towards his devoted wife’s death. The ending of this marriage will now and forever be a burden on Li Jia’s heart.
I do agree that money is the root of all our evils, if you don't handle your self right. No one can unless he have God in his or her life.
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