In "Wolf Hall," Hilary Mantel explores themes of ambition and the fleeting nature of wealth. The protagonist contemplates his desires for financial success and recognizes the illusion of holding onto money. Despite aspirations of prosperity, he realizes that money often slips away just as quickly as it is gained.
The quote highlights a universal truth about financial pursuits: while the hope of making a fortune is enticing, the reality is that wealth can be transient. The character's reflections underscore the struggle many face in trying to achieve lasting fortune, revealing a deeper commentary on the nature of money itself.