Money does not buy happiness

In the novel Little Dorrit, the author's primary theme is that a level of money and wealth does not necessarily equate to a person's level of happiness and comfort. His characters Amy Dorrit and Arthur Clennam are basically good, compassionate people who care more for the comfort of their friends and their duty to others than they do about acquiring wealth and status. Neither of these characters quail in the time of crisis, or fail to rise to the defense and support of their friends. Arthur could have taken his father's business and become rich, but he is too troubled by the possibility of a family secret to follow that route. Amy Dorrit finds contentment in a prison, surrounded by her family and doing good deeds. When she finds herself rich beyond imagination, Amy misses the important things in life and is not satisfied...