# VII: And Gold Becomes Cheap explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Frau Frohmann struggles with the economic pressures of rising costs and the depreciation of gold, resisting the need to raise her prices at the Brunnenthal Peacock. Mr. Cartwright explains that increased gold supply has made money cheaper, forcing her to adapt or retire. Despite her conservative nature, she realizes she must either raise prices or face retirement, a prospect she dreads as a form of dying.

## Themes in this chapter

### Economic Hardship and Charity

Frau Frohmann faces financial strain from rising costs and must decide whether to raise prices, affecting her livelihood and those with fixed incomes.

### Morality and Hypocrisy

The Frau struggles with the moral implications of raising prices, feeling it goes against her conservative values and sense of honour.

## Character check-ins

### Frau Frohmann

The Frau grapples with the economic necessity of raising prices, resisting change and contemplating retirement.

### Malchen

Mentioned as about to marry and leave, prompting the kaplan's suggestion that Peter take a wife.

## Key lines

> If there is more money, sir, that ought to make us all more comfortable.

Frau Frohmann suggests that an increase in money should benefit everyone.

_This reflects her initial misunderstanding of inflation and the depreciation of gold._

> Swim with the stream.

Mr. Cartwright advises adapting to economic changes rather than resisting them.

_This phrase encapsulates the central conflict between tradition and economic necessity._

> A man, or a woman, should retire when no longer able to do the work of the world.

Frau Frohmann believes retirement is only for those who can no longer contribute meaningfully.

_This highlights her fear of retirement as a form of death and her determination to continue working._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_4_se/chapters/vii-and-gold-becomes-cheap
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_4_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_4_se/chapters