Final answer:
The main idea is the importance of financial security and sufficient income to lead a comfortable life, as seen through the differing perspectives on wealth and the struggles of those managing tight budgets.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main idea of the excerpt from Stephen Leacock's essay is the notion of financial security and the understanding of what constitutes a sufficient sum of money for a comfortable life.
The characters in these various texts grapple with their financial situations, expressing a desire for independence and the anxiety that comes with economic instability. Dorothy's letter reveals a consciousness of her social standing and the need for a financial provision to alleviate her fears of poverty, and to afford basic pleasures and acts of charity. Real-life examples of individuals budgeting for essentials or those in poverty further illustrate the theme of economic survival and the pursuit of stability in a world where income greatly affects quality of life and peace of mind.