Final answer:
Mrs. Malkham's statement implies that while lasting happiness cannot be purchased, one can spend money to experience temporary joy or satisfaction. This concept is illustrated through literature and studies that discuss material wealth and its relationship to happiness, emphasizing the fleeting nature of satisfaction derived from wealth.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Mrs. Malkham says "Maybe you can't buy happiness but you can rent a lot of it," she suggests that while it might not be possible to permanently purchase happiness, you can temporarily acquire a certain degree of happiness or pleasure through spending money. This concept often relates to the idea that material possessions or experiences that cost money can provide temporary joy or satisfaction.
Throughout various literary excerpts, we see reflections on the relationship between wealth and contentment. Characters explore the idea of materials and affluence bringing temporary pleasure but also confront the limitations and the deeper yearning for something more fulfilling. From aspiring for a life of luxury and being surrounded by admirers to facing the practical challenges and emotional conflicts in the lives of the poor and affluent, these narratives underscore the complex interplay between money and happiness. Ehrenreich's and Desmond's works point to the harsh realities faced by the less fortunate, who are often subjected to additional costs and challenging living conditions, contrasting with the more superficial struggles of wealthier individuals.
The statement by Mrs. Malkham encapsulates the temporary nature of happiness that material wealth can offer, recognising the difference between enjoying the pleasures money can bring and finding true, lasting happiness.