"It is not poverty so much as pretense that harasses a ruined man - the struggle between a proud mind and an empty purse - the keeping up of a hollow show that must soon come to an end"

This quote by Washington Irving talks to the difficulty of being a ruined male. It is not the hardship itself that is the most difficult, however rather the pretense that includes it. The quote speaks to the internal struggle of a proud mind attempting to preserve a hollow program while having an empty bag. It is a difficult situation to be in, as the show should ultimately pertain to an end. This quote talks to the trouble of preserving a facade of wealth and success while having nothing to back it up. It is a difficult situation to be in, and one that can be rather emotionally taxing. It is a tip to be mindful of our own pride and to be familiar with the battles of those who are less lucky.