Daniel Defoe's novel depicts a woman that uses her resources to achieve her financial and economic desires. To the audience, whoever that may be it may seem that Moll Flanders is a money hungry harlot who does not have any regard to anyone but herself. Instead Moll uses her characteristics, greed, sexuality, and crime to help her survive this unforgiving time during the 18th century. When women were insignificant in culture and society.
             Moll's money worries begin at an early age when she figures out a way to avoid being placed in servitude. She tells the nurse who has taken her in that she can work, and when the nurse expresses doubt that Moll can really earn her keep, Moll responds, "I will work harder, says I, and you shall have it all"(15). At a early age Moll knows that she doesn't want any part of being in serventhood, "that we are born into the world helpless and incapable" (128).
             The comments men make about Molls beauty entice her and give her confidence in herself; this pride is the start of a steady downfall in her life. " He took these freedoms with me... when this was over he stayed but a little while, but he put almost a handful of gold in my hand..." (26), in essence for remaining his mistress. Moll's "color came and went, at the sight of the purse," (26) and at the thought of the money he had promised her.
             She notes, "I found presently that whether I was a whore or a wife, I was to pass for a whore here..." (144). Moll's acts of prostitution show that she will carry out
             illegal practices in order to get money.
             The desire of money rules most of Molls actions. As she searches for men who have money and tries to give them the impression that she is wealthy when she is really very poor. Eventually she becomes the richest thief in England and her fame obscures her ability to continue her thievery. She cannot and doesn't stop h
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