In Alice Munro's "Too Much Happiness," the Shubert grandparents represent a contrasting perspective on success and fulfillment. The imagery of the grandfather in uniform and the grandmother in a glamorous ball gown reveals a facade of happiness that conceals their disdain for others. Sophia sees their overt self-satisfaction as an indication of their moral shortcomings, suggesting that their achievements came at the expense of empathy and integrity.

This observation serves as a critique of societal values that prioritize ambition and status over genuine connection. The grandparents' contempt for those who haven't achieved similar success highlights a pervasive sense of superiority among the fortunate. Sophia's realization points to the emptiness of their accomplishments, exposing the hollow nature of a life lived solely for personal gain without regard for others.