Final answer:
The character Henry reacts to his fame and newfound wealth by contemplating a luxurious future and considering cutting ties with his past, highlighting a shift in both his self-image and attitude towards others. This reflection on social status and personal identity is a common theme in literature.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characters described in these excerpts demonstrate significant changes in their behavior and attitude after experiencing shifts in their social status or material wealth. For instance, Henry referred to as the "vest-pocket monster" or the "vest-pocket million-pounder," reveals a complex emotional response to his newfound stature. As his fortunes improve, he begins to imagine a life of luxury and contemplates severing ties with his humble past, hinting at a growing sense of superiority and a shift in outlook toward his former peers and circumstances.
In a broader context, the characters reflect on their prior relations to wealth and poverty, expressing either discontent with their social positions or a sense of awakening to societal divisions. The transformation in their status brings about a deeper contemplation of their identity and place within the social hierarchy. This theme is recurrent in literature, demonstrating how financial circumstances can influence individuals' sense of self and their relations with others.