Money is a powerful force that can corrupt morals and destroy relationships. Talking Money Essay - by Stanley Gazemba - Kenya

Talking Money Essay

 “Money is a powerful force that can corrupt morals and destroy relationships.” Using illustrations from Stanley Gazemba’s short story Talking Money, write an essay to justify this statement.

In Stanley Gazemba’s short story Talking Money, the author explores how the desire for wealth can distort human values and ruin personal relationships. The story presents characters whose interactions are dominated by money, illustrating its corrupting influence.

One clear example is the character of Mukidanyi. He is shown to be greedy and self-centered, prioritizing wealth above human relationships. When he sells land to Galo, his primary concern is the financial gain rather than fairness or mutual respect. This demonstrates how money can make a person morally blind, focusing only on material gain while neglecting ethical considerations. Mukidanyi’s actions reflect a loss of integrity, showing that money can indeed corrupt morals.

The story also highlights the impact of money on relationships. Mukidanyi’s wife, Ronika, is indirectly affected by his obsession with wealth. The tension in their relationship arises because Mukidanyi places money above emotional bonds. The pursuit of wealth creates a gap between them, emphasizing how financial greed can weaken family ties and breed mistrust. Gazemba shows that when money becomes the driving force in a person’s life, it can destroy the love and trust that hold relationships together.

Additionally, the story portrays society’s wider moral decay. Characters like Mukidanyi are influenced by Galo's unscrupulous dealings, showing how greed can perpetuate unethical behavior in the community. Money, in this context, becomes a force that spreads corruption and undermines social harmony.

In conclusion, Stanley Gazemba’s Talking Money illustrates how money can corrupt morals and destroy relationships. Through characters like Mukidanyi and the consequences of his actions, the story warns against valuing wealth over integrity and human connection. It is a reminder that the pursuit of money, when unchecked, can lead to moral decay and fractured relationships.