Final answer:
Characters across the excerpts express a profound dissatisfaction with their jobs, feeling a sense of powerlessness and seeking autonomy. Their jobs become a focal point for their discontent, driving them to consider changes that might lead to improved circumstances and autonomy in their lives.
Step-by-step explanation:
The various excerpts hint at a deep discontentment with jobs and the characters' current work situation. Overarching themes of powerlessness and a desire for autonomy are evident. In one instance, the character feels a 'consciousness of power' that he had not felt before, indicating a disdain for his job which he feels he could leave behind. Another character develops a growing discontent with handing over earned wages to a master, which enhances his desire for freedom and makes him consider means of escape.
It reflects a situation where a person is questioning his right to the full fruit of his labour, and the frustration becomes a driving force for seeking autonomy. In other instances, characters exhibit a desire to prove their worth and capability of working hard, despite the oppressive nature of their environments or the sense of their efforts being futile. Finally, some characters express a longing to improve their circumstances, no longer willing to be complacent with just getting by in their current roles.