The short story, "The Duchess and the Jeweller" is written by Virginia Woolf. A jeweller is the main character, overcoming poverty to become wealthy. Royalty frequently visits his door for assistance. The story critically depicts earned wealth, inherited aristocracy, and a desire of an aristocratic marriage. .
As the story unfolds, the jeweller, Oliver represents the earned wealth. Oliver is a poor young lad selling stolen dogs in his childhood days. Now, he is a wealthy jeweller as a result of his hard work. Famous customers seek his help. He is not satisfied with himself because he wants to be accepted and respected in the aristocratic circle. Oliver wants someone to love and show him their love because earned wealth does not give Oliver true satisfaction and happiness.
However, the Duchess depicts the inherited aristocracy. She flaunts richness by the way she dresses in glitter. She enters the room with aroma, prestige, arrogance, and pomp, which portrays the inherited aristocracy. The Duchess is keeping her gambling habits hidden from her husband. She is selling ten pearls secretly to Oliver for twenty thousand pounds to pay a debt. She tells Oliver that her honor is at stake. The Duchess invites Oliver to spend the weekend with her daughter, Diana as an enticement for him to give her the money. .
Consequently, the desire of an aristocracy marriage between Oliver and Diana is revealed. Oliver is in love with the Duchess" daughter, Diana. He wants to spend the weekend with her. A mere walk in the woods with Diana is enough to entice him to give the Duchess the money without testing the pearls to see if they are fake or real. Oliver desires true love and someone who could get him into the inherited aristocratic circle. Diana is his hope and desire.
In conclusion, the short story represents Oliver"s earned wealth and Diana"s inherited aristocracy to solidify Oliver"s wish for an aristocratic marriage.