Ernest Wharton Full Royale Analysis

Most tend to consider it ridiculous that the biggest problem in a man’s life is that he receives an abundance of letters each day. Many would undoubtedly side with a poor man because, according to society, he is suffering through a real and serious problem. Most readers would interpret that Wharton’s purpose of writing “Full Circle” is to criticize the character Betton who is seen worrying about a first world problem. Yet, is it just to weigh one problem as more significant than another because they are coming from two people of different economic classes? Can’t first world citizens encounter a problem without being ridiculed by others? Perhaps, should it be considered unfair to judge others through their economic status when they are clearly in need of help?
DDB, an American marketing firm, comments that first world problems are “concerns that seem important to those living in wealthy, industrialized countries yet are, in fact, trivial” (O’Toole). This is portrayed through Betton who encounters a problem that, since he’s a famous novelist, letters from his readers are always “poured in on him” (Wharton 66). He describes that the letters had “submerge[d]” him and that he has to gasp “under the thickening shower of letters” (Wharton 67). Many might regard this as absurd. Many might think it is hilarious. It is true that people generally would not consider it as a significant problem since it is neither life threatening or critical to everyday life. However, if readers are placed in Betton’s shoes, it represents a real